Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has cautioned the club to handle Taiwo Awoniyi's injury with care.

The Super Eagles striker broke his nose after clashing with the Exeter City goalkeeper in their FA Cup fourth-round clash on Tuesday, February 11.

The 27-year-old was in agonizing pain and couldn't continue the game as he was stretchered off the pitch deep into stoppage time.

Portuguese coach Santo has disclosed that the former Union Berlin striker is stable and slowly recovering from the injury.

“He broke his nose, so he is in pain and is with the medical department. We are waiting for the right protocols to be followed. It is a concussion, so we have to be really careful,” Santo told a press conference on Thursday.

“He looks okay. He is smiling but with pain. In this situation, we have to be careful and take two or three days to settle down and see if he is going to be okay.”

Forest emerged victorious after beating the third-tier English side 4-2 in the shootouts.

The 90 minutes of regulation time ended in a 2-2 draw, with Awoniyi scoring the second goal for the Tricky Trees.

WDN