The Nigerian forward suffered the injury in a dramatic collision with the goalpost during the 2-2 draw, a moment that left fans and teammates deeply concerned. It has since been revealed that Awoniyi required two surgical procedures to repair internal damage. In the immediate aftermath of the incident, he was placed in an induced coma—a medically guided decision to stabilize his condition and support recovery. According to Britain’s Press Association, Awoniyi is now conscious and communicating with his family.
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo offered a cautiously optimistic update during a Friday press conference, confirming that the operations were successful and the player is now under close observation.
“Surgery went well,” Espirito Santo stated. “He is recovering, though still under observation. We’re waiting for the doctors to clear him for visits. It has been a difficult few days, but thankfully things are moving in a positive direction.”
The manager also expressed hope that Awoniyi might be well enough to attend the club’s season finale against Chelsea on May 25, underscoring the emotional and symbolic importance of his presence on the sidelines.
“I hope that next week he can join us and be around because he’s a wonderful boy,” said Espirito Santo, visibly moved by the striker’s ordeal.
Forest, currently in seventh place and just a point shy of the top five, is pushing hard for a Champions League qualification spot. As the team prepares to face West Ham this Sunday, thoughts remain with Awoniyi, whose health and recovery have become a unifying concern for the club and its supporters.