NafisaTaiwo Awoniyi continued playing despite suffering a severe injury which, in certain circumstances, can be life-threatening, Mail Sport understands.
The Nottingham Forest forward collided with a post during their 2-2 draw with Leicester City on Sunday and, after several minutes of medical attention, returned to the field.
On Tuesday, Forest announced that the 27-year-old underwent emergency surgery after the seriousness of the injury was confirmed on Monday and he was taken to hospital. It can now be revealed that the injury was of a type which, in rare cases, can be fatal.
Following the match, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was seen in what looked like a tense exchange with manager Nuno Espirito Santo. It is believed that Marinakis was alarmed for the player’s wellbeing and whether the situation could have been dealt with differently – and was not confronting the Forest manager in anger.
Awoniyi, a Nigerian international, received about three minutes of treatment but could not be taken off as Forest had already made their final permitted substitution, bringing on Jota Silva for Elliot Anderson.
He tried to continue, but struggled to move effectively as Forest pushed for a decisive goal that would have significantly boosted their Champions League aspirations.
Adding to the frustration, the episode – during which Leicester’s Facundo Buonanotte also crashed into the post – occurred after Anthony Elanga, whose cross Awoniyi was chasing, was allowed to press forward despite being clearly offside. Play was allowed to run due to the assistant referee’s delayed flag, as per current officiating guidelines.
The two points dropped could be pivotal for Forest. Even if they win both of their remaining fixtures, they will still need other teams to drop points.
A Nottingham Forest spokesperson stated: ‘The club can confirm Taiwo Awoniyi has undergone urgent surgery following an abdominal injury sustained during Sunday’s match against Leicester City. Everyone at Nottingham Forest sends their best wishes to Taiwo. The club will provide further updates when appropriate.’
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