Nigerian international and Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi was rushed to a London hospital for emergency abdominal surgery on May 11, 2025, raising concerns about his availability for club and country. The 27-year-old footballer’s medical emergency has prompted an outpouring of support from the football community as he begins recovery.
Awoniyi, who has been a key figure for Nottingham Forest since his 2022 transfer from Union Berlin, reportedly experienced severe abdominal pain during a training session, leading to his immediate hospitalization. Medical evaluations revealed a condition requiring urgent surgical intervention, though the club has not disclosed specific details, citing privacy. The procedure, performed at a leading London medical facility, was successful, and Awoniyi is now in stable condition, with doctors monitoring his recovery closely. Early estimates suggest he could be sidelined for six to eight weeks, potentially missing Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers in June and Forest’s crucial Premier League matches.
The striker’s injury adds to a challenging season, where he has scored five goals in 10 appearances despite battling recurring groin and hamstring issues. His physical playing style, combining pace and aerial ability, has made him a fan favorite, but injuries have limited his consistency.
For Nigeria, Awoniyi’s surgery is a blow ahead of the Super Eagles’ qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic. The forward, who debuted in 2021 and has eight caps, was expected to lead the attack alongside Victor Osimhen. Awoniyi’s resilience, demonstrated by his recovery from a 2023 groin surgery, offers hope for a swift return, but his medical team is prioritizing a full recovery to avoid long-term complications.
The incident underscores the physical toll on modern footballers, with clubs increasingly investing in injury prevention programs. Awoniyi’s recovery plan includes physiotherapy and a tailored fitness regimen, with Forest’s medical staff coordinating with Nigeria’s national team doctors. As he begins rehabilitation, the focus remains on ensuring the striker returns to peak form for both club and country.