Nigeria and Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi underwent urgent abdominal surgery on Monday night following the injury he sustained against Leicester City on Sunday, Afrosport reports.
Awoniyi collided with the goalpost during Forest’s 2-2 Premier League draw at the City Ground. The Nigeria international, however, carried on with the match after being treated for several minutes having come on for Ivorian midfielder Ibrahim Sangare in the 83rd minute.
The 27-year-old at the request of Forest’s medical team had to undergo emergency surgery to deal with the injury, which is confirmed to not be life-threatening.
The incident, which occurred as Awoniyi tried to convert a cross from Anthony Elanga, who was later flagged offside after the assistant referee delayed the flag despite the call being clear, angered Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Marinakis, after the match, had a heated spat with head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, questioning the Portuguese’s decision to keep Awoniyi on the field despite discussions with the medical team as the Tricky Trees were in search of a winner.
The Argentine forward salvaged a point for already-relegated Leicester in the 81st minute after goals from Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood helped Forest overturn an early opener from Conor Coady for the visitors.
Forest, once again, faltered in their push for Champions League football, with only one win in their last six league games. However, they can be proud of their performances this season, with a place in Europe confirmed for the team next season.
Nuno’s side are away at West Ham United before hosting Chelsea in their final two league games of the season. A win in both games might prove futile to their Champions League aspirations unless Aston Villa, Manchester City or Newcastle drop points.
