Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has shed some light on the challenges he faced during the Africa Cup of Nations 2024 final, revealing that he played through injury in a determined effort to help secure victory.
Nigeria came up short in their quest to win a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title when they lost 2-1 to host nation Ivory Coast at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpé in February.
In the aftermath of the defeat, many fans of the three-time African champions voiced their opinions on the factors that led to the loss, particularly since the team had entered the match as favourites due to their impressive form.
The 27-year-old has looked back on Nigeria's defeat, sharing insights into the team’s performance and his personal challenges.
Ola Aina reflects on AFCON 2024 final, defends Peseiro
Aina, in an informal chat with compatriot Alex Iwobi on his YouTube channel, spoke specifically on Ivory Coast's winning goal, which was scored by Sebastien Haller off a Simon Adingra cross.
The Brighton winger, who scooped the man of the match award, stood up the Nottingham Forest defender, before going past him to deliver the assist
“Let me set this record straight. Simon Adingra, he's a baller. I give it to him. (But I) was playing on one leg.
“You think I'm missing AFCON final? I see people, they were cussing the coach… It wasn't the coach's fault. He asked me, ‘do you think you can play?' Of course I told him I could play. It's the AFCON final. I don't know if I'm (ever) going to make it there again. I need to play.
“I tried to manage and… I didn't manage, clearly. I didn't get cooked. I was hampered.”
Aina was one of Nigeria's standout performers in the tournament, featuring in all seven matches of the Super Eagles' campaign.