Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has opened up on one of the lowest moments in his football career, detailing the horrendous incident that landed him in a coma, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 28-year-old suffered a nasty collision with the crossbar in Forest's 2-2 draw against Leicester City last season, in the Foxes' fight for top-flight safety.
Awoniyi was patched up on the pitch, but upon getting home, didn't feel alright, and was rushed to the hospital, where it was confirmed that he suffered a ruptured intestine.
The severe abdominal injury required emergency surgery and a medically induced coma to assist with his intensive care recovery
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Taiwo Awoniyi opens up on his abdominal rupture injury
The former Union Berlin striker admitted that period was a tough one for himself and his family, but added it was also a huge test of faith for him.
“That day isn't one that every football player hopes for, but I think it says a lot about my faith because that day had to happen for me to be able to talk about it and that's where my self belief comes from,” Awoniyi said in an interview with Nottingham Forest.
“It was a difficult moment for me, for my family and my friends too.
“The way the club went about it, and the whole world as well is something that tells how special I am to them, and I'm thankful.
“It's also a testament of my belief in God. It's one of those moments I'll never forget and the support of everyone in that moment means a lot.
“Tough times happen to get us to where we need to be. If those things don't happen, we sometimes don't have the power to reach where we want,” the Union Berlin record Bundesliga goalscorer concluded.
The Nigerian forward recently surpassed a century of games for the City Ground faithful, becoming the only Super Eagle to achieve the feat.
