Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi is set to follow in Victor Osimhen’s footsteps after sustaining a broken nose during his team's FA Cup match against Exeter City.
The 27-year-old forward suffered the injury in a collision with the opposing goalkeeper shortly after scoring his team's second goal. The impact led to a head injury, forcing him to be stretchered off the pitch due to both a concussion and a fractured nose.
Nottingham Forest manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, has confirmed that the former Mainz 05 attacker will be sidelined for around twelve days. The club intends to take a cautious approach to his recovery, ensuring he meets all safety protocols before resuming play.
“He broke his nose, so he is experiencing pain. We need to follow the right procedures and monitor his condition to determine when he can return. Concussions require caution. He seems fine—he even smiled—but he is still in pain. We have to wait for a few days for things to settle before assessing his availability,” Nuno told the Nottingham Post.
The Portuguese coach further explained that Awoniyi is being fitted for a protective mask, which must be precisely measured to ensure a proper fit. However, his return will ultimately depend on passing the necessary concussion protocols. “He is waiting for his mask, but most importantly, we are waiting for medical clearance. I can’t confirm if he will be available yet,” Nuno added.
Due to the concussion, Awoniyi is set to miss Nottingham Forest’s upcoming league fixture against Alex Iwobi’s Fulham on Saturday. However, he could make his comeback the following weekend in a crucial clash against Newcastle United.
Osimhen famously began wearing a protective mask at Napoli after undergoing surgery for a serious facial injury that required metal plates and screws. Now, to prevent further damage, Awoniyi is set to adopt a similar precautionary measure, reinforcing his resemblance to his fellow Nigerian striker.
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