Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has given a hopeful update after his scary injury. Earlier this week, he was put into an induced coma but is now getting better after surgery to fix a burst intestine, which was a serious health risk.

Awoniyi got hurt when he ran into a post during Nottingham Forest’s 2-2 game against Leicester last week. After getting medical help on the field for several minutes, he returned to play for a short time before being taken off.

He couldn’t be substituted earlier because Forest had already used their last substitute. Even though Awoniyi tried to keep playing, he was not able to move well while his team tried to score late in the game.

Before Forest’s next game against West Ham, coach Nuno Espirito Santo said Awoniyi would stay in hospital for several more days. This meant he couldn’t travel with the team to support his teammates.

Awoniyi shared a message of thanks: “This season has been one of the hardest in my career, but I have felt so much love. By God’s grace, I’m thankful to still be here, still fighting, smiling, and feeling positive.”

He added thanks to his teammates, coaches, and the whole Forest family for visiting him in the hospital. “Your visits lifted my spirits more than words can say. I wish the team the best for the last two games. Keep believing and pushing. I can’t wait to be back on the field with you all.”

Awoniyi also thanked his family, friends, and football fans, especially those back home in Nigeria, for their prayers and kind words. “I feel your support every day as I recover. Go Reds!”

To show their support, Forest players warmed up before the West Ham game wearing plain white shirts with the words, “We’re all with you Taiwo” on the front and his name and number 9 on the back.

When Morgan Gibbs-White scored the first goal of the game, he held up Awoniyi’s shirt in celebration as a sign of support.