Taiwo Awoniyi: Nottingham Forest Make Major Decision on Super Eagles Star After Induced Coma Scare
- Super Eagles forward Taiwo Awoniyi has been excluded from Nottingham Forest’s Europa League squad for this season
- Awoniyi gave the world a scare last season when the striker was placed in an induced coma after colliding with a goalpost
- Nottingham Forest have been drawn in a fairly easy group with FC Porto and Braga among their opponents
Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been left out of Nottingham Forest’s Europa League squad, just months after recovering from a life-threatening injury.
The English Premier League club submitted their final list to UEFA on Wednesday, and the Nigerian forward’s name was missing.
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Awoniyi was placed in an induced coma late last season after a collision with the goalpost in a Premier League clash against Leicester City.
The impact ruptured his intestine, forcing emergency surgery, which forced doctors to place him in an induced coma for over a day.
He later regained full fitness and was even part of Forest’s pre-season for the 2025/26 campaign, but his exclusion from the Europa League squad suggests he has slipped down the pecking order among the strikers at Forest.
According to Daily Post, Forest will rely on Chris Wood, Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Douglas Luiz, and others to lead their European campaign.
A frightening health scare for Awoniyi
Back in May, Awoniyi’s career and life were in danger after the 27-year-old striker collided with the post in a league game against Leicester City and immediately required urgent medical treatment.
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Surgeons discovered a ruptured intestine, and doctors placed him in an induced coma to aid his recovery.
News of the Nigerian forward's condition sparked widespread concern in Nigeria and the football world.
Awoniyi came out of it and returned in time for pre-season training, where he showed he was still fit and ready for the season ahead.
Despite that comeback, Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo appears to be taking a cautious approach in European competition.
The decision not to register Awoniyi suggests the Forest will monitor him closely in domestic matches before trusting him on the continental stage.
Nottingham Forest know Europa League opponents
Awoniyi’s Nigerian teammate Ola Aina has been included in Forest’s Europa League squad, alongside big names like Douglas Luiz, Chris Wood, and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
The squad also include players such as Willy Boly, Neco Williams, James McAtee, and Ryan Yates.
Forest have been drawn into a demanding group, where they will face Midtjylland, FC Porto, Malmö, Ferenvaros, Braga, Utrecht, Sturm Graz, and Real Betis, per The Sun.
The competition will test the depth of their squad, and Awoniyi’s absence means Forest will lean heavily on their other forwards.
Doctors explain need for induced coma
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that doctors have explained that the induced coma was necessary to restrict Awoniyi’s movement, regulate his heart rate, and facilitate ventilation as the Nigerian forward’s body begins the healing process.
According to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), an induced coma is not a treatment but a necessary step for critical care, especially when ventilation is needed.
Source: Legit.ng
