Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, has broken his silence following a terrifying injury that left him hospitalized and requiring urgent surgery to repair a ruptured intestine.
Awoniyi, 26, was placed in an induced coma earlier in the week after crashing into a goalpost during Forest’s dramatic 2-2 Premier League draw against Leicester City.
Despite trying to soldier on after the collision — as Forest had exhausted all substitutions — he was eventually withdrawn in visible distress.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Awoniyi thanked fans, teammates, and loved ones for their overwhelming support, describing the past few days as some of the most difficult of his professional career.
“This season has been one of the most difficult of my career, but through it all, I have felt the love,” he wrote. “With the grace of God, I am grateful to still be here, to still be fighting, to still be smiling, and to be in good spirits.”
He also praised the Nottingham Forest family — including coaches, staff, and players — for their emotional hospital visit, which he said lifted his spirits significantly.
The striker, who remains hospitalized and is expected to spend several more days under observation, pledged his support to the team for their remaining fixtures.
Forest paid a touching tribute to Awoniyi ahead of their match against West Ham United, donning special warm-up shirts bearing the message “We’re all with you Taiwo” and his squad number, 9.
Midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White further honored him by holding up Awoniyi’s shirt after scoring the opening goal.
The Nigerian forward also extended his appreciation to fans back home and across the globe.
“To everyone back home in Nigeria who has checked in on me, prayed for me, and left kind words, thank you. I see them. I feel them. And I carry them with me every day as I recover.”