Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been placed in an induced coma following the first phase of surgery to treat a serious abdominal injury sustained during his side’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City on Sunday.

The 27-year-old Nigerian international suffered a ruptured intestine after colliding with the post in the 88th minute, as he attempted to connect with a cross from teammate Anthony Elanga.

Sources confirmed that the forward underwent an emergency surgery on Monday and remains hospitalised, with another procedure expected on Wednesday.

The club released a statement on Tuesday saying Awoniyi was “recovering well.” Awoniyi, who had come on late in the game to replace Ibrahim Sangare, received extensive medical attention before being stretchered off.

The incident occurred during a controversial passage of play in which Elanga, who was in an offside position, delivered the cross. Under current officiating guidelines, assistant referees are instructed to delay raising their flag until the end of a potential goal-scoring move, a rule increasingly criticised for putting players at risk.

Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was visibly shaken, reportedly confronting manager Nuno Espirito Santo after the match to express concern about how the situation was handled. Marinakis is said to be receiving regular updates on the player’s condition.

Speaking to the BBC, consultant colorectal surgeon Gillian Tierney described the injury as life-threatening. “A ruptured intestine can be fatal and is often difficult to diagnose immediately, especially in elite athletes running on adrenaline. Surgery is typically required, and the procedure carries a 9% mortality rate,” she explained.

Awoniyi has experienced significant challenges in his campaign this season due to recurring injury setbacks, resulting in only one goal scored in 26 appearances for his team.

Among the most heartfelt wishes came from Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who described Awoniyi as “a proud son of Kwara” adding “Get well soon, dear brother and valued citizen. Kwara stands with you.”

Despite how serious it is, medical experts are hopeful, noting that the attacker’s fitness gives him a strong chance of recovery.