Nigeria and Nottingham Forest attacker Taiwo Awoniyi is out of an induced coma and recovering well after undergoing urgent surgery on a life-threatening abdominal injury, Mail Sport reports.

The Nottingham Forest striker was receiving intensive care on Wednesday night after surgeons had started what was a complex operation.

That procedure has now been completed today as planned, and the player was monitored Wednesday night at the hospital. It is understood he was awake following the surgery and chatted with his family

Awoniyi, 27, crashed into a post during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Leicester and, following several minutes of treatment, returned to action before being taken off. The Nigerian was rushed to the hospital after the extent of the injury was confirmed on Monday.

The Nigerian international could not be substituted because Forest had used their last available substitute to replace Elliot Anderson with Jota Silva.
He bravely tried to carry on, but was unable to move properly with his side frantically seeking a late winner.

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina says he and his teammates are praying for Awoniyi’s recovery.

“This is our teammate and brother, and someone we spend most of the year with. It affects everybody in some sort of way,” he said. “All we can do is show our support, and hopefully everything goes well for him now.

“It’s horrible seeing someone you are close with go through something like this, but I pray to God everything goes to plan and goes well and that we will be hearing from him soon. I have sent him messages.”