Taiwo Awoniyi Opens Up on Medically Induced Coma: ‘That Day Isn’t One Every Football Player Hopes For’

Taiwo Awoniyi has broken his silence on one of the most serious injury crises in recent Premier League memory, describing the harrowing sequence of events that saw the Nottingham Forest and Super Eagles striker placed in a medically induced coma after suffering a ruptured intestine.

The incident stemmed from a collision with the crossbar during Forest’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City last season. Although Awoniyi received on-pitch treatment at the time, his condition deteriorated significantly after he returned home, prompting an emergency hospital admission. Doctors subsequently confirmed he had sustained a ruptured intestine, an injury requiring immediate surgical intervention. He was then placed in a medically induced coma as part of his intensive care recovery.

Speaking to Nottingham Forest’s media team in a candid interview, the former Union Berlin forward reflected on the gravity of what he experienced. “That day isn’t one that every football player hopes for, but I think it says a lot about my faith because that day had to happen for me to be able to talk about it, and that’s where my self-belief comes from,” Awoniyi said.

The 27-year-old also acknowledged the emotional toll the ordeal placed on those closest to him, while expressing appreciation for the response from his club and the broader football community. “It was a difficult moment for me, for my family and my friends too,” he said. “The way the club went about it, and the whole world as well, is something that tells how special I am to them, and I’m thankful.”

Faith emerged as a recurring theme throughout Awoniyi’s reflections, with the striker framing the near-tragedy as a pivotal moment in his personal and professional development. “It’s also a testament of my belief in God. It’s one of those moments I’ll never forget, and the support of everyone in that moment means a lot,” he added. “Tough times happen to get us to where we need to be. If those things don’t happen, we sometimes don’t have the power to reach where we want.”

Awoniyi joined Nottingham Forest from Union Berlin in the summer of 2022 for a reported fee of around £17.5 million, becoming one of the club’s marquee signings following their return to the Premier League after a 23-year absence. He has since become a key figure at the City Ground, recently reaching the 100-game milestone for the club — a landmark Forest acknowledged formally.

A ruptured intestine is among the more severe abdominal injuries a professional athlete can sustain, often carrying significant risks if not treated promptly. The fact that Awoniyi’s symptoms worsened after the match before being diagnosed underlines the seriousness of the situation. His recovery and subsequent return to fitness represents a notable medical and personal achievement.

As Nottingham Forest conclude their Premier League campaign, Awoniyi’s continued availability remains important for a club that has re-established itself as a top-flight outfit in recent seasons. For the Super Eagles, his fitness will also be closely monitored ahead of upcoming international fixtures and Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.