On Thursday, Ibrahim Gusau, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), paid a personal visit to Super Eagles forward Taiwo Awoniyi at his home in Nottingham, United Kingdom.
The visit was aimed at evaluating Awoniyi’s health condition and tracking the progress of his recovery following a significant injury he sustained during a recent Premier League fixture.
Accompanied by members of the NFF Executive Board, Gusau extended words of encouragement and solidarity to the Nottingham Forest striker, who has been sidelined due to a severe injury. The NFF leadership’s presence was meant to reassure Awoniyi of the federation’s ongoing concern and support during his period of recovery.
While speaking during the visit, Gusau shared his happiness at seeing the striker in positive spirits, noting that his recovery following surgery appeared to be moving in the right direction.
The NFF President, who also serves as the recently elected head of the West African Football Union Zone B (WAFU B), offered heartfelt prayers for Awoniyi’s continued healing and overall wellbeing.
Gusau underscored the striker’s significance to both the Nigerian national team and his English club, Nottingham Forest, describing him as a valuable asset both on the field and within the wider football community. He further pledged that the Federation would keep a close eye on Awoniyi’s rehabilitation process and stand ready to provide any form of assistance necessary to aid his return to professional football.
In his response, Awoniyi expressed deep gratitude for the visit and for the encouragement delivered by Gusau and his team. He acknowledged the efforts of the NFF and shared his appreciation for the kindness shown by the country’s football leadership during this difficult phase of his career.
According to the striker, his recovery was progressing steadily under expert medical supervision, and he remained optimistic about making a strong comeback to competitive action.
Awoniyi assured his visitors that he was fully committed to regaining match fitness and was complying with every step laid out in his rehabilitation program. He voiced hope of returning to the pitch even stronger and more focused than before.
Reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) revealed that the injury occurred during a Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Leicester City—a game that ended in a 2-2 draw. In the course of the match, Awoniyi collided with the goalpost while attempting to score, a moment that raised immediate concern among players and fans alike.
Despite the discomfort, he initially continued playing before eventually being replaced and sent for medical evaluation. Subsequent examinations confirmed that Awoniyi had sustained a ruptured intestine, a critical condition that necessitated urgent surgical intervention.
Following the operation, the striker has been recovering at home, receiving continuous medical care and evaluations from the club’s health department. The NFF’s visit not only reflects its dedication to ensuring the well-being of Nigerian players but also affirms its commitment to maintaining close relationships with athletes based outside the country.
What you should know
Taiwo Awoniyi, a key figure in Nigerian football, is currently recovering from a ruptured intestine sustained during a Premier League match.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau recently visited him in the UK to show support and ensure his recovery is progressing well, reaffirming the Federation’s dedication to player welfare.
