The global football community has united in prayer and support for Nigerian international Taiwo Awoniyi, who is now out of an induced coma and recovering well at home with his family, following surgery for a serious abdominal injury, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Awoniyi suffered a ruptured intestine after colliding with the goalpost late in Nottingham Forest’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City at the City Ground on Sunday.
The 27-year-old striker came on as a substitute in the 83rd minute before sustaining the injury in the 88th minute while trying to convert a cross from Anthony Elanga.
He underwent the first phase of surgery on Monday night and remains in hospital, with further procedures expected in coming days.
The news sparked an outpouring of prayers and well-wishes from across the football community, with teammates, fellow professionals, clubs, and fans rallying around the forward. Among the first to offer public support were his fellow Super Eagles teammates.
Galatasary striker Victor Osimhen posted, “Prayers up for you brother, God will never leave you,” while Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface wrote, “Lord guide and protect you brother.”
Captain William Troost-Ekong shared a solemn message with prayer emojis, and former Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi simply stated, “Praying for Taiwo.”
Ademola Lookman added his voice with a message of hope, “Get well soon Taiwo Awoniyi.”
Atletico Madrid forward Rasheedat Ajibade, who recently featured Awoniyi on her “Rash 4 Christ” podcast, shared a heartfelt prayer.
“Our hearts are heavy as we hold Taiwo Awoniyi in our prayers. Just days ago, he shared his light and strength with us. Now, as he fights in this difficult moment, we stand with him and his family in faith and hope. God is with you, Taiwo. You’re not alone,” Ajibade posted on X.
International solidarity has also poured in. Awoniyi’s former club Union Berlin wrote, “Sending our love, and very best wishes for a quick recovery.”
Broadcaster DStv echoed the call with, “Say a prayer for Taiwo Awoniyi,” while Nigerian international Rinsola Babajide posted, “My prayers and strength goes out to Taiwo Awoniyi during this difficult period, wishing him a full speedy recovery.”
Popular sports analyst Kelechi Anyikude joined in, stating, “My thoughts are with Taiwo Awoniyi, his family and friends at this time. Speedy recovery bro.”
The Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, also paid tribute, calling Awoniyi “more than just a footballer,” and a “valued citizen” of the state, lauding his continued contributions to his home community.
Nottingham Forest, in a statement, said Awoniyi is “recovering well” and described the incident as “a powerful reminder of the physical risks in the game and why a player’s health and wellbeing must always come first.”
Club owner Evangelos Marinakis was seen expressing concern to manager Nuno Espírito Santo immediately after the match and is reportedly being updated regularly on Awoniyi’s condition.
The incident has reignited debate about the VAR protocol which delayed the assistant referee’s offside flag, a policy critics argue puts players at unnecessary risk.(Punch)
