Taiwo Awoniyi Returns to Full Training After Life-Threatening Abdominal Injury

Nottingham Forest striker and Nigeria international, Taiwo Awoniyi has made a remarkable return to full training following a serious abdominal injury that had kept him sidelined since May.

The 26-year-old forward, whose career was thrown into uncertainty after suffering a ruptured intestine, is now back with his teammates as he begins the final stages of his recovery.

Awoniyi sustained the injury on May 11, 2025, during a Premier League clash against Leicester City. In the closing minutes of the game, the striker collided with the goalpost while attempting to score.

Though he initially tried to continue playing, the extent of the internal damage became clear after the match. He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed a ruptured intestine and performed emergency surgery. Due to complications, he was placed in an induced coma for several days to stabilize his condition.

The incident sent shockwaves through the football community, especially among fans of Nottingham Forest and the Nigerian national team. Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo later confirmed that Awoniyi had come out of the coma and was responding well to treatment. The club maintained a cautious optimism throughout his recovery, emphasizing his resilience and determination to return stronger.

In a show of support, Awoniyi made a brief public appearance at the City Ground weeks after surgery, ahead of Forest’s home match against Chelsea. The striker was greeted with a standing ovation and cheers from the home crowd, marking a deeply emotional moment for the player and supporters alike.

Now, after months of medical supervision and gradual rehabilitation, Awoniyi has rejoined full training with the first team.

The news has been welcomed as a huge boost for Nottingham Forest, who have missed the physical presence and goal-scoring instincts of their number 9.
It also revives hopes for his inclusion in Nigeria’s upcoming international fixtures, with the Super Eagles keen to have him fit ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Born in Ilorin, Nigeria, Taiwo Awoniyi began his professional career after excelling in Nigeria’s youth setup, including a standout performance at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup. He was later signed by Liverpool, although he spent most of his early career on loan across Europe.

His impressive stint at Union Berlin in the Bundesliga earned him a move to Nottingham Forest, where he has become a fan favourite for his work ethic and scoring ability.

With his return to training, the focus now shifts to his match fitness and possible reintegration into Forest’s competitive squad.

The club medical team is expected to closely monitor his progress over the coming weeks, ensuring a careful and safe return to match action. For now, both the club and his national team are simply relieved to see Awoniyi back on the pitch, doing what he loves.