Aina stages dramatic return after four months injury    

Forty-Eight hours after being left out of Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 squad, Super Eagles defender Ola Aina made a dramatic return, featuring for Nottingham Forest’s academy side in what can only be described as a bittersweet comeback.

The Super Eagles defender, who hadn’t played since Nigeria’s ill-fated World Cup qualifier against South Africa four months ago, stepped onto the pitch on Friday night as Forest’s academy maintained their impressive Premier League 2 campaign with a 2-1 victory over Millwall.

The timing could hardly have been more heartbreaking. Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle had just named his 28-man squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, introducing five new faces including a fresh right-back option. Aina’s name was notably absent from the list.

Yet if the omission stung, the 29-year-old showed no signs of dwelling on disappointment. Playing for over an hour under the guidance of former Manchester United academy boss Warren Joyce, Aina looked sharp and determined, directly contributing to Forest’s success on the night.

The match began with intent from the home side. Adam Berry fired Forest ahead after Danny Anisjko was brought down on the edge of the area, with Berry converting the resulting free-kick with precision and beauty.