Nottingham Forest have activated the one-year extension clause in Ola Aina’s contract, keeping the in-form defender at the club until the end of the 2025/26 season, according to The Athletic.
Aina, 28, joined Forest on a free transfer in July 2023 and has become a key figure under manager Nuno Espirito Santo. The Nigeria international has made 31 Premier League appearances this season, scoring twice.
Aina’s performances on the pitch and influence off it have made him one of the most important players in the dressing room. He has often been seen laughing, dancing, or joking with teammates like Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi, and is described as one of the squad’s biggest characters.
“He is exactly like that in real life… he is so bubbly, so friendly,” teammate Neco Williams said. “You need players like him in a dressing room. He’s the joker… you just always see him smiling.”
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Even while sidelined recently with a calf injury, Aina’s absence was felt. “We have been missing Ola, especially because of the stability of the back four we had,” said manager Nuno. “He has had some huge moments, a good work ethic, good discipline…”
The Super Eagles player returned to Forest’s squad in their 2-0 loss to Brentford on Thursday after missing three games against Aston Villa, Everton, and Tottenham Hotspur.
Forest are still keen to tie Aina down to a longer-term deal beyond the one-year extension, with the club recognising his consistent contributions both on and off the pitch.
“He was a brilliant player for Hull… and he’s gone on to do exactly that at a higher level,” said former Forest captain Michael Dawson, who played with Aina at Hull City. “His reading of the game is excellent.”
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