Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi had a night of mixed emotions as he scored but was later stretchered off after a sickening collision with Exeter City’s goalkeeper, Joe Whitworth, in their FA Cup fourth-round clash.

Awoniyi gave Forest the lead in the 37th minute but suffered a blow to the face from Whitworth’s punch while challenging for a high ball in stoppage time. The Nigerian striker was left bloodied and dazed, requiring immediate medical attention before being stretchered off, with the St James’ Park crowd applauding his exit.

Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo confirmed that Awoniyi likely broke his nose but noted the player was in good spirits despite the injury. A BBC Sport update later confirmed Awoniyi was seen walking unaided back to the dressing room.

Despite the setback, Forest progressed to the next round, winning 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. Exeter had initially stunned the Premier League side by taking a 1-0 lead in the 5th minute thanks to Josh Magennis. Forest quickly equalized through Ramon Sosa in the 10th minute, and Awoniyi put them ahead before half-time. However, Magennis struck again in the 50th minute to level the game.

Exeter’s challenge was further hampered in the 87th minute when Ed Turns was shown a red card for a high tackle on Morgan Gibbs-White. Despite being down to ten men, Exeter held firm, forcing the match into extra time and eventually penalties after a Forest shot hit the crossbar.

From the penalty spot, Forest converted all four of their attempts, with Chris Wood, Morgan Gibbs-White, Elliot Anderson, and Neco Williams all scoring. Exeter faltered, with substitute goalkeeper Matz Sels saving Reece Cole’s attempt and Angus MacDonald hitting the crossbar, sealing Forest’s 4-2 victory.

Nuno acknowledged Exeter’s resilience, saying, “It was a hard game. We started poorly but responded well. After half-time, it became so difficult. Credit to Exeter. I am happy that we are going through.”

Forest’s win sets up a fifth-round tie against fellow Premier League side Ipswich Town. With Awoniyi’s condition still under assessment, attention now turns to managing the fitness of their players ahead of the next round.