Super Eagles duo Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi are set to work with a new coach at Nottingham Forest after the club confirmed the appointment of Oliver Glasner on Monday.
The Austrian tactician, who reportedly signed a three-year contract until June 2029, arrives at the City Ground with an impressive résumé, bringing a reputation as one of Europe’s most respected coaches after enjoying success in Germany and England.
The 50-year-old became only the third head coach to have won both the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Conference League. He guided VfL Wolfsburg to UEFA Champions League qualification before leading Eintracht Frankfurt to the 2021/22 UEFA Europa League title, ending the German club’s wait of more than four decades for a major European trophy.
Most recently, Glasner enjoyed a successful spell in England, winning the 2024/25 FA Cup in his first full Premier League season before adding the FA Community Shield and UEFA Conference League the following campaign.
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With his arrival, it will be interesting to follow the situation of Nigerian internationals Aina and Awoniyi, who are both contracted to Nottingham Forest until 2028.
It remains to be seen what roles the Super Eagles stars will play under the Austrian, whose preferred 3-4-3 formation relies heavily on at least one attack-minded wing-back. At Crystal Palace, that was Colombian Daniel Muñoz.
Aina already has experience of playing that role, having featured in both right wing back and left wing back positions during his time at Torino. His attacking qualities and ability to play on either flank could thus make him a natural fit in Glasner’s system.
Awoniyi, meanwhile, will be hoping for a bigger role after an inconsistent 2025/26 Premier League campaign in which he played just 481 minutes, scoring four goals and providing one assist. With Igor Jesus and Chris Wood still among Forest’s attacking options, competition for places is expected to remain intense.
Glasner has previous experience working with a Nigerian player, having coached Christantus Uche during the 2025/26 season at Crystal Palace. Although Uche enjoyed a promising start under the Austrian, his relationship with the coach deteriorated as the campaign progressed, with his playing time significantly reduced.
Speaking after his appointment, Glasner expressed his excitement about taking charge of Nottingham Forest.
“I’m delighted to join Nottingham Forest as head coach. From my very first conversations with the owner and the leadership team, it was evident to me that they have a clear vision for this football club and complete trust and belief in me and my staff to build a strong future together over the long term. That trust and shared commitment, together with the potential that I see within the squad, were key factors for me and I am excited about what we can achieve together.”
“Nottingham Forest is a club with incredible prestige and history, a two-time European Champion with one of the most passionate fan bases in football. Our aim is to build a team that can help take the club to the next level in the years ahead and that our supporters can be proud of.”
“My immediate focus is on meeting the players and staff and getting to work as we begin pre-season. I’m excited for the future and will work tirelessly to represent this great club with pride and to bring success on the pitch. I can’t wait to get started,” Glasner added.
Reacting to the appointment, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis said the club’s ambitions aligned perfectly with those of the new manager.
“In our discussions with Oliver, it was clear that we share the same vision, the same ambition and the same relentless desire to succeed. He has consistently demonstrated throughout his career that he can build outstanding teams and deliver success against the strongest competition.”
“It has always been our goal to establish Nottingham Forest once again among the leading clubs in England and Europe. Our ambition is not simply to compete – our ambition is to win, to challenge for major honours and to create a football club that our supporters can be proud of for many years to come.”
“Oliver is a winner. He has earned success through his leadership, his personality and the style of football his teams play. We believe he is the right person to lead us into this next chapter, and I am delighted to welcome Oliver to the Club.”
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