Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi undergoes emergency abdominal surgery after a collision during the Leicester City match, prompting concern from club owner Evangelos Marinakis

Nottingham Forest striker and Nigerian international, Taiwo Awoniyi, was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery on an abdominal injury sustained during the club’s 2-2 draw against Leicester City on Sunday.

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Reports emerged on Monday detailing the unfortunate incident.

The injury occurred when Awoniyi stretched in an attempt to connect with Anthony Elanga’s cross, colliding heavily with the goalpost at the City Ground. Despite receiving several minutes of on-field treatment, the forward endeavoured to continue playing.

However, the full extent of the injury was only realised by Nottingham Forest’s medical team on Monday, leading to Awoniyi being immediately taken for emergency surgery.

While the situation was serious enough to warrant immediate intervention, reports indicate that the injury is not believed to be life-threatening.

The incident sparked a notable reaction from Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, who entered the pitch after the final whistle to confront manager Nuno Espirito Santo in an unusual scene.

Reports said he was immediately taken for the surgery, which was not believed to be life-threatening.

Marinakis reportedly voiced his concern over Awoniyi’s condition, questioning why the striker was allowed to remain on the pitch despite Nuno consulting with medical staff during stoppage time.

The draw against already-relegated Leicester City proved to be a setback for Nottingham Forest’s aspirations of securing a Champions League spot.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, currently in seventh place, are now no longer in complete control of their destiny in the race for Champions League qualification for the first time since the 1980-81 season.

With two Premier League matches remaining against West Ham and top-five rivals Chelsea, Forest sit just one point outside the coveted Champions League qualification places.

Nevertheless, the club is guaranteed at least a spot in the UEFA Conference League, marking their return to European football for the first time since the 1995-96 season.