Nigeria’s striker suffered concussion, broke nose
Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi suffered a concussion and a broken nose in a collision with Exeter City keeper Joe Whitworth, Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has confirmed.
Awoniyi was stretchered off during the FA Cup fourth round tie in Devon, and the game was delayed significantly as he received treatment. There had been fears the Nigerian international could have sustained a serious neck injury, and he was applauded off by both fans when he was carried off the field.
After the game, though, Nuno confirmed the injury – while still painful – was not as severe as some first feared. “It was a concussion and a broken nose,” the Portuguese said.
“He was in a lot of pain. But he has a smile on his face because he scored for us and did an amazing job. We are delighted for him (to get his goal).”
Awoniyi had been handed a rare start by Nuno as a much-changed side headed south for the cup tie. League One side Exeter took an early lead through Josh Magennis – the top scorer in this season’s FA Cup – only for Ramon Sosa to equalise before Awoniyi gave the Premier League outfit a half-time lead.
Forest couldn’t find a third, though, and a Willy Boly own goal levelled things up. Ed Turns was sent off late on, but the hosts still survived extra-time with 10 men to force a penalty shoot-out.
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It was there, however, that the visitors won out. Senior stars including Chris Wood and Morgan Gibbs-White were brought off the bench during regulation time, and both were among the scorers in a 4-2 shoot-out victory.
Forest will now play Ipswich Town in one of several all-Premier League ties in the round of 16. Kieran McKenna’s side got to this stage by beating Championship outfit Coventry City 4-1 on Saturday, with Jack Clarke bagging a brace.
“We knew before the game it would be difficult,” said Forest keeper Matz Sels, who came on for the injured Carlos Miguel and made a big save in the shoot-out. “We didn’t start the game well so I think after we came back well, we finished the game. It was just about ourselves and we made it difficult.
“You always need to be ready. I was ready and was helping the team in the right moments. It is a positive to go to the next round.
“Step by step. We have some important games in the league and then full focus on the cup. We try to continue as long as possible and we will see how far we can go.”