English Premier League
Grateful Taiwo Awoniyi breaks silence after horrific injury scare
By Monsurah Olatunji
Nigeria international Taiwo Awoniyi has spoken publicly for the first time following the life-threatening injury he sustained during Nottingham Forest’s Premier League clash with Leicester City.
The 27-year-old forward was placed in an induced coma after a violent collision with the goalpost while attempting to convert a cross from teammate Anthony Elanga. The incident led to emergency surgery, and he was brought out of the coma on Wednesday evening.
Awoniyi’s first public message since the accident, shared on social media, expressed deep gratitude and emotional strength.
“This season has been one of the most difficult of my career, but through it all, I have felt the love,” he wrote. “With the grace of God, I am grateful to still be here, to still be fighting, to still be smiling, and to be in good spirits.”
He went on to thank his Nottingham Forest teammates, coaching staff, and supporters for their support during his recovery. “Seeing you all on your visit to the hospital lifted my spirits more than words can say,” he added.
Awoniyi also addressed fans and well-wishers from Nigeria and beyond: “To everyone back home in Nigeria who has checked in on me, prayed for me and left kind words—thank you. I see them. I feel them. And I carry them with me every day as I recover.”
Although he is expected to miss the remainder of the season, club sources are optimistic about his recovery, with a potential return to action in the 2025/26 campaign.
Awoniyi’s absence is a significant loss for both Nottingham Forest and the Nigerian national team, but his words offer a message of hope and determination as he begins the long road to recovery.
