The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed deep appreciation for the swift and compassionate response by Nottingham Forest following the abdominal injury sustained by Super Eagles forward Taiwo Awoniyi during a Premier League match against Leicester City, Footynaija.com reports.
Awoniyi, 27, suffered the injury after a heavy collision with the goalpost while chasing down a cross. The impact forced him to leave the pitch in visible pain, and it was later confirmed that he required emergency surgery.
In a statement revealed by ESPN on Monday, the NFF lauded Forest’s handling of the situation, particularly the personal involvement of the club’s leadership after owner Evangelos Marinakis entered the pitch to express his concerns to head coach Nuno Espirito Santo after Awoniyi was initially allowed to continue playing following the collision.
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“We must praise the swift action of Nottingham Forest’s leadership in managing this injury, particularly the deep concern shown by the club’s CEO who was present on the pitch and involved afterward,” NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi wrote.
Sanusi also acknowledged that Awoniyi is currently recovering from surgery and extended the NFF’s prayers and best wishes for a full recovery.
“As he recovers from surgery, we pray that all processes will go smoothly to put him back to excellent physical and mental health to return to doing what he knows best.
“We would have so much wanted to speak to him directly and feel him, but we are aware he is in no condition for that presently. We trust that you will somehow deliver our message of deep empathy to his friends, team mates and loved ones.”
Awoniyi’s recovery timeline has not been officially disclosed, but Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo confirmed that the player is recuperating nicely.
