‘I‘m fighting and Smiling’, Taiwo Awoniyi shares emotional message after challenging season

Abdullateef Fowewe

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Nigerian striker and Nottingham Forest, Taiwo Awoniyi opened up about the difficulties he has faced this season, expressing gratitude and resilience despite the challenges.

“This season has been one of the most difficult of my career but through it all, I have felt the love. With the grace of God, I am grateful to still be here, to still be fighting, to still be smiling, and to be in good spirits,” Awoniyi wrote.

He extended his thanks to his teammates, coaches, staff, and the entire Nottingham Forest family for their support, especially during his hospital stay.

“Seeing you all on your visit to the hospital lifted my spirits more than words can say,” he added.

Awoniyi also sent encouragement to his team for the remaining matches, “Wishing the boys the very best in these last two games, keep believing and keep pushing.

“I’m with you all the way and I can’t wait to be back out there with the boys doing what I love.”

He further expressed deep appreciation for the support from his family, friends, fans, and his home country Nigeria noting, “To everyone back home in Nigeria who has checked in on me, prayed for me and left kind words, thank you. I see them. I feel them. And I carry them with me every day as I recover.”

During his last match against Leicester City, Awoniyi collided with a goalpost late in the game, which led to critical damage requiring urgent medical intervention and intensive care.

The 25-year-old was initially stabilised in an induced coma to aid his recovery after the operation.

Nottingham Forest’s owner and coach expressed frustration over the decision to allow Awoniyi to continue playing despite visible pain, citing a misjudgment by the medical staff.