Related Post
Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi endured a night of highs and lows as he scored but was later stretchered off in their dramatic FA Cup fourth-round victory over Exeter City, Soccernet.football reports.
The Nigerian striker opened the scoring in the 37th minute before suffering a nasty collision in stoppage time that left him with a broken nose and concussion.
Taiwo Awoniyi with a lovely bit of hold-up play and a clinical finish to match for @NFFC #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/oMi9XqZXMC
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 11, 2025
Despite his injury overshadowing the celebrations, Forest held their nerve to win 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
Horror collision leaves Awoniyi bloodied and stretchered off
Awoniyi’s night took a painful turn deep into stoppage time when he challenged Exeter goalkeeper Joe Whitworth for a high ball. Whitworth, attempting to punch the ball clear, accidentally struck the forward in the face, leaving him bloodied and in need of immediate medical attention.
Medics from both teams rushed onto the pitch and spent nearly ten minutes treating the visibly dazed Nigerian before he was stretchered off to warm applause from the St James’ Park crowd.
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo later confirmed Awoniyi’s injury, stating: “It was a concussion and I think he broke his nose. He is in a lot of pain but has a smile on his face because he did an amazing job and scored for us, which we were delighted about. He has already been checked and is OK to travel (back).”
#Nigeria striker Taiwo Awoniyi was involved in a heavy clash of heads with Exeter goalkeeper Joe Whitworth.
— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) February 11, 2025
Suffered a serious injury and the Forest goal scorer was carried off on a stretcher and hopefully it’s just a precaution and he will be able ok. pic.twitter.com/NwH8W02l9o
Forest’s night was further complicated when goalkeeper Carlos Miguel suffered a suspected hamstring injury in the second half, forcing Matz Sels to step in for the penalty shootout.
The match had started in dramatic fashion, with Exeter taking a shock lead in the fifth minute through Josh Magennis after Miguel fumbled a cross. Goals from Ramón Sosa and Awoniyi turned the game in Forest’s favour, but a Willy Boly own goal gifted the hosts an equaliser.
Exeter were reduced to ten men in the 87th minute when Ed Turns was sent off for a reckless challenge on Morgan Gibbs-White.
However, despite their numerical advantage in extra time, Forest failed to find a winner, setting up a tense penalty shootout.
Chris Wood, Gibbs-White, Elliot Anderson, and Neco Williams all converted their spot-kicks as Forest prevailed 4-2, securing a fifth-round clash at home to Ipswich Town.
Speaking after the game, Nuno admitted it had been a challenging night: “We are relieved, I think we all are. It was not the best game. We started bad, reacted well, and changed the score. The idea in the second half was to try to close the game down. We conceded from a set-piece and after that everything changes with the crowd. We are relieved and happy that we go through.”
