Former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the critical injury sustained by Nigerian international footballer, Taiwo Awoniyi, describing the incident as both painful and reflective of the ?unyielding Nigerian spirit.?

Obi, in a heartfelt message shared via his verified X handle on Wednesday, reacted to news of Awoniyi?s ruptured intestine injury, which he sustained while playing for Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League.

Despite the severity of the injury, Awoniyi reportedly continued playing after a collision with the goalpost before undergoing emergency surgery.

?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,? Obi wrote.

The 26-year-old striker is reportedly in an induced coma following the emergency procedure, prompting Obi to urge collective national support and prayers.

?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,? Obi said.

Obi called on relevant authorities and the football community to rally around Awoniyi and his family during this difficult period.

?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,? he appealed.

The former governor of Anambra State also used the moment to reflect on the broader theme of national responsibility, urging for a country where the sacrifice and patriotism of athletes are not taken for granted.

?May we build a country where such sacrifice is not in vain, where patriotism is matched with proper care, recognition, and support,? Obi added.

He concluded his message with prayers for the Super Eagles forward and expressed hope for his full recovery.

?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,? he wrote. (The PUNCH)

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