‘I’m grateful’: Awoniyi thanks fans after abdominal surgery

Nigeria and Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has expressed his appreciation to football fans after having surgery on a serious abdominal injury.

Awoniyi was put in an induced coma after being taken to hospital, badly hurt when colliding with the post against Leicester while trying to reach an Anthony Elanga cross.

The 27-year-old striker had emergency surgery and was woken from the induced coma on Wednesday evening, with medical staff now monitoring his progress.

Taking to Instagram on Sunday, Awoniyi wrote: “This season has been one of the most difficult of my career but through it all, I have felt the love. 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.

“To my team-mates, coaches, staff and the entire Forest family, thank you for your well wishes, seeing you all on your visit to the hospital lifted my spirits more than words can say.

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“I’m with you all the way and I can’t wait to be back out there with the boys doing what I love.

“To my family, friends, and football fans, thank you for the support, and 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.”

Forest team-mate Morgan Gibbs-White celebrated with a shirt bearing Awoniyi’s name after scoring in the vital 2-1 win on Sunday at West Ham.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side also warmed up in T-shirts with Awoniyi’s name and number on the back, plus the message “we are all with you Taiwo” on the front.

The Star