Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi is out of an induced coma and is recovering well after undergoing urgent surgery on a serious abdominal injury that could have been life-threating, according to reports from England.
Mail Sport reported that the Nottingham Forest striker was receiving intensive care on Tuesday night after surgeons had started what was a complex operation.
That procedure was completed on Wednesday as planned, and the Nigeria international is being monitored in the hospital.
The outlet added that he was awake following the surgery and with his family.
Awoniyi, 27, crashed into a post during Sunday’s 2-2 English Premier League draw with Leicester and, following several minutes of treatment, returned to action before being taken off.
He was rushed to hospital after the extent of the injury was confirmed on Monday.
In a previous statement, the club attacked those — including Sky Sports’ Gary Neville — who criticised owner Evangelos Marinakis for entering the field and appearing to remonstrate with boss Nuno Espirito Santo following a draw which damaged their hopes of Champions League qualification.
Awoniyi could not be substituted because Forest had used their last available switch to replace Elliot Anderson with Jota Silva.
In disturbing scenes he bravely tried to carry on, but was unable to move properly with his side frantically seeking a late winner.