Peter Obi sends prayers for Taiwo Awoniyi after Nigerian placed in induced coma

By Monsurah Olatunji

Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has expressed deep concern and support for Nigerian footballer Taiwo Awoniyi, who is currently in an induced coma following a serious abdominal injury sustained during a Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Leicester City.

The Super Eagles striker reportedly collided with the goalpost and continued to play despite being in visible pain.

Medical reports confirm that while his condition is not life-threatening, he required emergency surgery and was placed in a medically induced coma pending further treatment.

In a statement shared on social media, Obi praised Awoniyi’s courage and resilience, calling him a “resilient son of the soil” and a symbol of the “unyielding Nigerian spirit.”

“I read with deep concern the unfortunate incident involving our own Taiwo Awoniyi… Even after colliding with the goalpost, he pressed on — a testament to the Nigerian spirit: strong, unyielding, and ever-committed,” Obi said.

Obi urged Nigerians to support the injured striker and his family during this difficult time. “Let us not take this lightly. We must appreciate and celebrate such young men who continue to lift our flag high, even at great personal risk,” he added.

He called on sports authorities and the wider community to stand in solidarity with Awoniyi, emphasizing the need for a country that values and supports its athletes.

“May he recover fully and return stronger,” Obi concluded. “And may we build a country where such sacrifice is not in vain, where patriotism is matched with proper care, recognition, and support.”

Awoniyi, 26, has been a key figure for Nottingham Forest and the Nigerian national team. Updates on his condition are expected from medical staff in the coming days.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He began his career at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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