Former Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the health challenge of Nigerian international footballer, Taiwo Awoniyi.
Obi, on Wednesday, described the incident as both painful and reflective of the unyielding Nigerian spirit.
The former Anambra State’s governor in a heartfelt message shared via his X page, reacted to news of Awoniyi’s injury, which he sustained injury while playing for Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League, over the weekend.
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The 27-year-old striker was placed in an induced coma following the emergency procedure, prompting Obi to urge collective national support and prayers.
READ MORE: Super Eagles Forward, Awoniyi In Coma After Surgery On Abdominal Injury
He said: “I read with deep concern the unfortunate incident involving our own Taiwo Awoniyi, a resilient son of the soil, who, while giving his best on the field for Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League, suffered a severe injury in the line of duty.
“It is both painful and telling that, even after colliding with the goalpost and sustaining what has now been revealed as a ruptured intestine, he pressed on a testament to the Nigerian spirit: strong, unyielding, and ever-committed.
“Let us not take this lightly. We must appreciate and celebrate such young men who continue to lift our flag high, even at great personal risk.
“I call on the authorities, the football community, and indeed all of us as citizens to keep Taiwo in our thoughts and prayers. As he lies in an induced coma after emergency surgery, let us stand in solidarity with him and his family.
“May he recover fully and return stronger. And may we build a country where such sacrifice is not in vain, where patriotism is matched with proper care, recognition, and support. I wish him complete healing. May God Almighty bless Taiwo Awoniyi. God bless the Super Eagles. God bless Nigeria.”
