Taiwo Awoniyi regains consciousness after emergency surgery for ruptured intestine

By Monsurah Olatunji

Nigerian international Taiwo Awoniyi has regained consciousness after undergoing emergency surgery for a ruptured intestine sustained during Sunday’s Premier League match against Leicester City.

Awoniyi, 26, suffered the severe abdominal injury following a collision with the goalpost during the 2-2 draw.

Despite visible pain, the Nottingham Forest striker briefly continued playing before being substituted. The injury was later deemed life-threatening.

Medical experts say such internal trauma is rare among athletes and carries an estimated 9 percent mortality rate. It typically requires immediate surgical intervention.

The first phase of Awoniyi’s surgery was conducted on Monday, after which doctors placed him in an induced coma to stabilize his condition. According to BBC Sport, the second stage of the procedure, which involved closing the internal wound, was successfully completed on Wednesday.

Doctors brought Awoniyi out of the coma early Wednesday evening, in what is being described as a significant step forward in his recovery.

Nottingham Forest has announced it will launch an internal review into the circumstances surrounding the incident, particularly why the player was allowed to continue playing after the collision.

Awoniyi’s recovery will continue under close medical supervision, and further updates are expected in the coming days.