Awoniyi: I wanted to continue playing

Nigerian striker, Taiwo Awoniyi has disclosed that he actually felt like playing on even while he was being stretchered off the pitch in a Bundesliga match over the weekend.

The former Nigerian youth international picked up the injury when Mainz lost 1-0 to Augsburg in Sunday’s relegation six-pointer at the Opel Arena. The game was 17 minutes old when play was stopped with Awoniyi lying on the pitch.

Awoniyi, however, received medical treatment on the field after being briefly motionless when he landed awkwardly following a clash of heads with Augsburg defender, Felix Uduokhai.

He was thereafter stretchered off with his neck in a brace after a long delay while he received medical attention but was eventually replaced by Karim Onisiwo on 23 minutes.

“What I find interesting about this incident is that the doctors and paramedics told me that while they were attending to me at the stadium after the collision, I was saying I wanted to continue playing,” he told Ojbsport.

“I am so thankful and grateful to God for being alive. It happened so fast and I didn’t even know what was going on, but in my mind all I was saying was I wanted to continue playing.

“I regained consciousness in the hospital and was told of what happened in the stadium. To be alive and okay is the greatest gift that anybody can wish for and I am so appreciative.

“I appreciate them for the work they did and I also thank the fans for their well wishes.” Awoniyi who has a goal in twelve Bundesliga matches last scored on May 17 in Mainz’s 2-2 draw with Cologne.

The 22-year-old also marked his wedding anniversary on Tuesday and wrote on Instagram: “God always creates space for thanksgiving.

Happy anniversary to us and thanks always for been you @mrs_taiyeawoniyi and alive again posting this. Glory to the most high, Proverbs 18:22. God forever is the greatest.”

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