Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi escapes death; collapses during match

It was a narrow escape on Tuesday, 11 February, 2025, for Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest striker, Taiwo Awoniyi when he collapsed on the field of play during a match with Exeter in the FA Cup.

Awoniyi had concussion when he was involved in a heavy clash of heads with Exeter goalkeeper, Joe Whitworth during Forest’s Fourth Round Emirates FA Cup clash with Exeter.

For about ten minutes, the doctors battled to revive Awoniyi on the field leading to the match being held up for more than 10 minutes.

The scene created fears in players, officials of both team as well as spectators on the stand.

He was eventually revived and wheeled out of the field of play on a stretcher.

Nottingham Forest coach, Nuno Esperito later confirmed that Awoniyi sustained a broken nose and had concussion following the aerial collision with the Exeter keeper.

He was later treated and was on his feet when Forest players celebrated their hard-earned victory over the third tier team.

Incidentally, Awoniyi scored Forest’s second goal in the encounter that had to be decided on penalties after 2-2 stalemate between the two sides after extra time.