Taiwo Awoniyi Returns to Full Training After Career-Threatening Abdominal Injury

Taiwo Awoniyi’s Triumphant Return: From Abdominal Surgery to Full Training with Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest striker and Nigerian international Taiwo Awoniyi has made a triumphant return to full training after undergoing a complex and life-threatening abdominal surgery that kept him out of action since May. His comeback marks a major milestone not only for his personal health journey but also for Nottingham Forest and the Super Eagles, both of whom missed his commanding presence in recent months. Awoniyi’s absence was deeply felt by both club and country, and the latest development brings hope to fans who have followed his inspirational story from recovery to redemption.

In May 2025, the football world was shocked when news broke that Taiwo Awoniyi had suffered a serious abdominal injury. It wasn’t the usual muscle strain or ligament tear common in professional football. Awoniyi had suffered a ruptured intestine, a rare and dangerous condition that not only ended his season abruptly but also put his life at risk. According to reports close to the club, the 27-year-old forward required a two-stage surgical intervention to address the severity of the damage. This was not your routine sports injury; it was a medical emergency that required immediate and complex care.

Awoniyi’s treatment was far more intense than anyone expected. The first phase of the surgery, conducted in early May, involved repairing the ruptured section of the intestine and stabilizing his internal organs. Given the critical nature of the procedure, he was placed in a medically induced coma for several days to allow his body to rest and prevent further complications. Three days later, the second phase of the operation was performed. This final procedure involved wound closure and postoperative repairs. The fact that he required multiple surgeries underscored just how serious the injury was.
Medical experts involved in his care described his resilience during recovery as "remarkable" and praised his determination and discipline, which contributed to his relatively swift progress.

The months following the surgery were filled with intensive rehabilitation. Taiwo Awoniyi’s comeback wasn’t guaranteed. From learning how to walk again without pain to regaining muscle strength, every step was carefully monitored by the medical team at Nottingham Forest. Throughout this time, fans, teammates, and Nigerian football stakeholders sent messages of support. His club, Nottingham Forest, maintained consistent updates, encouraging fans to stay positive about his recovery. Awoniyi himself stayed mostly out of the spotlight, focusing fully on healing. But behind the scenes, he was working hard—spending hours in physiotherapy, adhering to strict dietary routines, and participating in low-impact drills before eventually being cleared for full training.
On Tuesday, fans were greeted with uplifting news when Soar Super Eagles, the official X (formerly Twitter) account for the Nigerian national team, posted a video and photo update showing Awoniyi back in full training.

“Taiwo Awoniyi returns to full training after that serious abdominal injury in May. Great to see him back on the grass,” the post read.

In the footage, Awoniyi was seen smiling, passing drills, and running light sprints, looking energetic and mentally sharp. While he may still be easing into contact training and full-match fitness, the fact that he’s back with his teammates is a significant morale boost for the club.

Before his injury, Awoniyi was considered one of Nottingham Forest’s most consistent performers. Since joining the club from Union Berlin in 2022, he’s scored crucial goals that helped Forest secure important Premier League points. Known for his physicality, pace, and ability to hold up play, the Nigerian striker became a fan favorite quickly.
In the 2023/24 season, despite injuries, he managed to score 7 goals and provide 3 assists in limited appearances. His absence last season left a void in Forest’s attacking line, and the club struggled at times to find a reliable finisher.
With Awoniyi’s return, head coach Nuno Espírito Santo now has more options in attack, which could be pivotal as Forest prepares for a challenging 2025/26 season.

Beyond his club, Awoniyi’s recovery is also crucial for the Nigerian national team. The Super Eagles are currently preparing for upcoming AFCON qualifiers and World Cup preparations. With Victor Osimhen frequently in the spotlight, having Awoniyi as a backup or even a dual threat gives Nigeria more flexibility up front. Taiwo Awoniyi was part of Nigeria’s squad during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and has since become a regular call-up. His return to fitness is timely as the Super Eagles gear up for key international fixtures.

Football analysts have hailed Awoniyi’s return as “one of the most inspiring stories in football recovery this year.” Sports medical expert Dr. Tunde Oladipo commented:

“Abdominal injuries like the one Awoniyi had are not only rare but extremely dangerous. That he’s back on the pitch within months is a testament to modern medicine, expert care, and sheer willpower.”

Former Nigerian international Daniel Amokachi also expressed excitement, saying:

“Nigeria needs depth in its attacking force. Awoniyi coming back now is a huge plus. He’s matured a lot and brings strength, positioning, and power—traits that can complement Osimhen perfectly.”

Fans took to social media platforms to express their joy at seeing their beloved striker back in training. Some of the reactions included

“Welcome back, Taiwo! We missed your energy and those goals!”
“Great to see our lion back on the grass! Praying for full match fitness soon.”
“Forest fans are excited, and so are we in Naija. Go make us proud, Awoniyi!”

The return of such a high-profile player after a life-threatening injury brings not only excitement but also renewed hope.
Now that Awoniyi is back in full training, the next challenge is match fitness. Sources close to Nottingham Forest suggest that the coaching staff will gradually integrate him into the team over the next few weeks. Fans may not see him start games immediately, but cameo appearances are likely as he builds strength and sharpness. There is also cautious optimism about including him in Nigeria’s squad for their next international fixtures—though the coaching team will prioritize his long-term fitness over short-term appearances.
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Taiwo Awoniyi’s journey from a hospital bed to full training is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. For athletes, injuries are part of the game, but life-threatening conditions like a ruptured intestine are entirely different battles. His return is not just a win for Nottingham Forest or the Super Eagles. It’s a victory for everyone who believes in comebacks, in perseverance, and in never giving up. As he continues his journey back to full match fitness, fans will be watching and cheering for every step he takes.

By PrimeLineInfo