In a significant development for Nigerian football, Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has finally returned to competitive action after a lengthy injury absence. The versatile full-back featured for Nottingham Forest in their Premier League clash against Aston Villa, marking his first appearance since August 2025.
A Long-Awaited Comeback on the Pitch
Ola Aina ended a 116-day spell on the sidelines by being named in the starting lineup for Nottingham Forest's match on Saturday. The defender managed to play for 69 minutes in the encounter, which ended in a 3-1 defeat for his team at the City Ground. He was eventually substituted for Nicolo Savina, as confirmed by match statistics.
The 29-year-old's injury nightmare began back in September 2025 while he was on international duty with the Nigerian national team. He sustained a serious hamstring injury during the Super Eagles' 1-1 draw with South Africa in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. This setback forced him to miss a staggering 23 matches across all competitions for both club and country.
Impact of Absence and Significance of Return
Aina's prolonged absence had significant consequences. Most painfully for the player, it ruled him out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco, despite being named in Nigeria's provisional squad. The Super Eagles excelled in his absence, winning all three Group C matches to top their table and advance to the Round of 16, where they are scheduled to face Mozambique.
His return is now viewed as a major positive for all parties involved. For a Nottingham Forest side embroiled in a relegation battle, manager Sean Dyche will be hoping Aina's experience and quality can help solidify a defensive line that has been leaking goals. The defeat to Aston Villa was Forest's fourth consecutive league loss, leaving them just four points above the drop zone ahead of a critical fixture against West Ham.
For the Nigerian national team, Aina's recovery comes at an opportune moment. While he will not feature in the ongoing AFCON, his return to fitness means he could be available for selection for Nigeria's subsequent matches after the tournament concludes. His presence is considered vital for the team's defensive structure in future World Cup qualifiers.
Reaction and Broader Context
The news of Aina's return has been met with enthusiasm back in Nigeria. Football analyst Bright Akpotabor, speaking to Legit.ng, highlighted the importance of the defender to the national team setup. He noted that while the Super Eagles have performed well, Aina's absence has been felt, and his return is a welcome development for the team's future projects.
Furthermore, the personal support Aina received during his rehabilitation underscores his value. The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau, made a special trip to London to visit the player, checking on his recovery progress and offering encouragement during the challenging period.
On the pitch against Aston Villa, Aina showed flashes of his trademark ability, contributing both defensively and in attack. However, the overall team performance highlighted the work still required at Nottingham Forest. Ollie Watkins and John McGinn were the stars for Villa, with McGinn scoring twice and Watkins adding another, before Morgan Gibbs-White netted a consolation for Forest.
The focus now shifts to Aina regaining full match sharpness and helping his club navigate a difficult period. For Nigerian fans, the sight of one of their key defenders back in action provides optimism for the challenges that lie ahead for the Super Eagles beyond the AFCON.
