Can Nottingham Forest reach the Champions League? Two reasons Ola Aina thinks so

Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has never been short of confidence, but his latest prediction has raised eyebrows, Afrik Foot reports.

The Super Eagles full-back believes Forest have everything required to secure UEFA Champions League qualification at the end of the 2026/27 campaign, despite the club narrowly avoiding relegation last season and undergoing yet another managerial change.

Speaking on the opening episode of The Tree House on Forest TV, Aina backed teammate Igor Jesus’ ambitious target of reaching Europe’s elite competition.

“I think we can, to be honest. Let me not talk too much,” Aina said.

While many supporters may view that ambition as a little over the top considering Forest barely survived relegation last season, there are solid reasons why the Nigerian international believes Nottingham Forest can challenge for the top four.

Why Ola Aina believes Nottingham Forest can play in the UCL

1. Oliver Glasner offers tactical stability

Perhaps the biggest reason for Aina’s confidence is the arrival of Oliver Glasner. Forest have endured coaching instability over the past year, dismissing Nuno Espirito Santo before cycling through Ange Postecoglou, Sean Dyche and Vitor Pereira.

Such constant changes in demands and tactical styles inevitably affected performances, with injuries also preventing the squad from building momentum, as Aina and Gibbs-White were absent in crucial parts of the campaign.

Glasner brings something different. The Austrian established himself as one of Europe’s most respected tacticians after guiding Eintracht Frankfurt to UEFA Europa League glory before impressing in the Premier League with Crystal Palace, winning the Conference League with a depleted squad last season.

Unlike his predecessors, Glasner arrives with a clearly defined football philosophy built around an aggressive back-three system, attacking wing-backs and structured pressing.

For Aina, that could be ideal. The Nigerian has already demonstrated his versatility throughout his career, operating comfortably on either flank and possessing the athleticism required to thrive as an attacking wing-back.

Additionally, he’s already featured in that position during pre-season and appears keen to nail down a starting berth under the former Frankfurt coach.

Earlier this month, Afrik-Foot highlighted how Glasner’s tactical approach could actually elevate Aina’s importance within the squad rather than diminish it.

A settled coaching structure could finally provide Forest with the consistency they have lacked last season.

2. A healthier squad could transform Forest’s ambitions

Forest’s disappointing campaign was shaped as much by injuries as managerial instability.

Aina was limited to just 18 Premier League appearances after missing 20 league matches through fitness issues, while several key first-team players also spent lengthy spells on the sidelines.

The absence of experienced performers forced Forest into a survival battle instead of competing for European places. If those injury problems ease, the picture changes considerably.

A fully fit Aina brings reliability, experience, attacking quality and tactical flexibility.

Taiwo Awoniyi, whose future remains uncertain under Glasner, could also rediscover the form that once made him one of Forest’s most dangerous forwards if he remains at the City Ground.

Ambition backed by belief

Champions League qualification remains an enormous challenge given the quality of England’s traditional top six and several ambitious challengers.

However, Forest are no strangers to European history. The club famously won back-to-back European Cups under Brian Clough, but things have changed.

Forest’s Europa league campaign last season was their first rodeo in Europe for the first time in almost three decades.

Still, Aina has unwavering belief that the Reds can do the unthinkable and has already mentioned it twice this summer.

“We go again next season. Next season, I’m saying it here as well, we will qualify for the Champions League,” the 29-year-old said on his Youtube Channel.

“Guaranteed, we will be there, top four. If not, we will make our way somehow,” the one-time English Premier League winner concluded.

Whether Forest can genuinely finish in the top four will be seen by how they perform weekly in the English top-flight, but Aina’s optimism reflects a dressing room that appears convinced Glasner can lead the club to glory.