Ola Aina has returned to England following an appeal from Nottingham Forest to Super Eagles interim coach Austin Eguavoen and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for his early release ahead of their crucial English Premier League clash against Arsenal.
Aina, a key member of the Super Eagles squad, played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s qualification for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. He featured in Thursday’s 1-1 draw against Benin at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Ivory Coast, which secured the team’s AFCON ticket.
With the final group-stage game against Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo deemed inconsequential, Nottingham Forest expressed concerns that Aina’s participation might leave him fatigued ahead of their Saturday fixture against Arsenal.
In a statement, the NFF media department confirmed the development: “Ola Aina has returned to England at the request of his club, Nottingham Forest. The Premier League side appealed to Coach Austin Eguavoen for his early release, as Nigeria has already secured AFCON qualification.”
Aina has been instrumental for Forest this season, bolstering their defense under new manager Nuno Espírito Santo. He has consistently neutralized top Premier League wingers, contributing to one of the league’s most solid defensive records.
His outstanding performances have drawn interest from high-profile clubs like AC Milan and AS Roma, while Nottingham Forest is keen to extend his contract beyond its current 2025 expiration date.
