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Soccer, a game that delights millions around the world, sometimes painfully reminds us how thin the line is between sporting excitement and human tragedy. At the moment when the athlete's body collides with the cold metal of the goal post, life can take a completely unexpected turn. That's the harsh truth facing Nottingham Forest's family, team-mates and fans as their striker lies in a hospital bed, fighting for his life after a routine game turned into a nightmare.
Between life and death: Awoniyi in an induced coma
Nottingham Forest football player Taiwo Awoniyi is in an induced coma after the first stage of surgery for a serious stomach injury, the English club announced today. The news resonated like a thunderbolt out of the blue among the "foresters" fans and football fans around the world, casting a shadow over the entire Premier League season.
The Nigerian national team player (27) was injured in the 88th minute of the match against Leicester City (2:2) on Sunday at the King Power Stadium, when he hit the post while trying to catch Anthony Elanga's cross. What initially looked like a normal collision during a fierce Premier League match soon turned into a fight for laife.
From a routine collision to a fight for life
The details of the unfortunate event reveal a disturbing chronology. In the heat of the battle for points at the end of the game, Awoniyi showed exceptional sacrifice in trying to get the ball that could give his team victory. In his rush towards the goal, his stomach hit the goalpost hard, causing internal injuries that turned out to be much more serious than anyone could have guessed at the time.
Although he continued the match after the collision with the post, it was obvious that he had problems and that he did not feel well after the game continued. He entered the field only five minutes earlier, replacing Ibrahima Sangaré. That decision to continue playing despite the pain, characteristic of professional athletes accustomed to suffering and ignoring pain, could further worsen his condition.
Emergency surgery and an uncertain future
Awoniyi was operated on Monday evening and remains in the hospital, while the completion of the surgical intervention is planned for Wednesday. The medical team at Leicester Hospital are working round the clock to stabilize the condition of the 27-year-old striker, whose life is currently in the hands of surgeons.
Nottingham Forest announced earlier on Tuesday that the striker is "recovering well" after the operation, but later information about the induced coma indicates the seriousness of the situation. An induced coma is a medical procedure in which a patient is deliberately placed in a state of deep unconsciousness to reduce pressure on the brain and allow the body to focus on recovering from a severe injury or trauma.
Support from the football world
The news about the condition of the Nigerian national team player caused an avalanche of support from all over the football world. Teammates from Nottingham Forest, opponents from Leicester City, as well as numerous Premier League clubs have expressed their concern and sent messages of support.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Taiwo and his family at this difficult time," Nottingham Forest captain Ryan Yates said. "He's a fighter and we know he'll do his best to come back stronger than ever."
The Nigerian Football Federation also issued a statement expressing concern for the health of its international player and promising full support to him and his family.
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