Nottingham Forest Striker Taiwo Awoniyi Faces Extended Absence, Ruled Out of AFCON
Nottingham Forest’s striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, will miss the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Ivory Coast due to an aggravated groin injury sustained during the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw with Lesotho in Uyo last Thursday, as reported by IWITNESSLIVE Sports.
Following the injury, Awoniyi has undergone surgery, and Forest coach Steve Cooper confirmed the unfortunate news, stating that the Nigerian striker will be sidelined for several months.
Speaking ahead of Nottingham Forest’s clash against Brighton and Hove Albion, Cooper expressed his disappointment, saying, “It’s bad news on Taiwo; he’s had to have surgery, and he is going to be out for months. We’ll support him and try to get him back as quick and as fit as he can be, but it’s a really unfortunate situation and a blow for him.”
“He’s become an important player for us with the goals he’s scored and the goals he will score for us, but he’s such a good guy and a good professional who is desperate to do well, so to get an injury like this is harsh on him.
“We’ve got to support him through the process of coming back stronger. He’s done that once before here and I’m sure he will give everything again like he did last time.
“You think about how well he did when he returned last season, I’m sure that’s given him a good reference point to come back to.
“We’ll definitely see him again this season, but it’s groin surgery so it will take a little while.”
Awoniyi, who has scored four goals in 11 Premier League appearances for Forest this season, will now spend an extended spell on the sidelines.
