SUPER Eagles and Liverpool striker Taiwo Awoniyi has regained consciousness in hospital after being stretchered off during a league match in Germany over the weekend when he clashed with compatriot Felix Uduokhai and got concussed.
Awoniyi, 22, is a Liverpool player currently out on loan to Bundesliga side Mainz, who he started for over the weekend when they faced Augsburg in a league game. In the 23rd minute, he clashed with Felix Uduokhai, another Nigerian, who is eligible to play for the Super Eagles and had to be stretchered off with concussion.
Mainz manager Achim Beierlorzer has revealed, however, that Awoniyi has regained consciousness in hospital after suffering from a severe concussion. When he was stretchered off, Awoniyi’s neck was in a brace and the player was motionless, raising fears about the state of his health.
Mr Beierlorzer said: “We have received the all-clear from the doctors. He has regained consciousness and can remember the things that happened but he has a severe concussion and has to stay in the hospital for observation.”
Awoniyi has featured in 11 league games for Mainz this season, scoring one goal since his arrival at Opel Arena on loan last summer from Liverpool. He has been with Liverpool since 2015 but he is yet to feature for the Premier League club, having spent most of his time on loan, playing for Frankfurt, NEC, Royal Excel Mouscron and Gent.
With the defeat against Augsburg, Mainz are now three places above the relegation zone after gathering 31 points from 31 games. They have won nine matches, drawn four and lost 18 games in this campaign and have only won one game in their previous seven outings.
It is not yet known if Awoniyi will be fit enough to play a part when Mainz take on Borrussia Dortmund in their next league game at Signal-Iduna-Park on Wednesday. Awoniyi has played for Nigeria’s U20 and U23 teams and has featured for the Super Eagles in friendly games and will hope to make more impactful showings for Mainz to enhance his international career.
