Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has shared an emotional message of appreciation after undergoing emergency surgery and spending time in an induced coma following a serious abdominal injury.

The 27-year-old Nottingham Forest forward suffered a ruptured intestine during the club’s 2-2 English Premier League draw against Leicester City last Sunday and was rushed to the hospital the following day.

After undergoing a double surgery, he was placed in a medically induced coma before regaining consciousness on Wednesday.

Sharing an emotional message on his Instagram account on Sunday, Awoniyi thanked football fans, family, and Nigerians for their overwhelming support during what he described as “one of the most difficult” seasons of his career.

In the post, the Nigerian international also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and prayers during his health crisis.

“This season has been one of the most difficult of my career, but through it all, I have felt the love,” he wrote.

“With the grace of God, I am grateful to still be here, to still be fighting, to still be smiling, and to be in good spirits.

“To my family, friends, and football fans, thank you for the support, and to everyone back home in Nigeria who has checked in on me, prayed for me, and left kind words, thank you.

“I see them. I feel them. And I carry them with me every day as I recover.”

Awoniyi also reserved special appreciation for Nottingham Forest, acknowledging the visits and well-wishes from teammates, coaches, and staff that lifted his spirits during hospitalisation.

“To my teammates, coaches, staff, and the entire Forest family, thank you for your well wishes. Seeing you all on your visit to the hospital lifted my spirits more than words can say,” he added.

“Wishing the boys the very best in these last two games, keep believing and keep pushing. I’m with you all the way, and I can’t wait to be back out there with the boys doing what I love.”