“Character and quality” – Super Eagles star Aina left elated as Nottingham Forest enter UEL semis

Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina was left elated after his side knocked Porto out to reach the semi-final of the UEFA Europa League, Afrik Foot reports.

Vitor Pereira’s side played a 1-1 draw at the Estadio Do Dragao last week, before Morgan Gibbs-White 12th minute strike made all the difference at the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest will now play against Aston Villa in the semi-final of the Europa League.

Ola Aina weighs in on Nottingham Forest Europa League journey

It’s been a torrid campaign for the Reds, having had four different coaches on the touchline.

Additionally, after a brilliant season that saw them finish in the top seven in the Premier League, they’ve been battling relegation this term.

Still, Aina believes tiny steps like the victory against Porto prove the club is moving in the right direction.

“We never make it easy for ourselves, but we can’t complain. We’re into the semi-final of a European competition,” the former Chelsea defender said in his post-match presser.

“After the season we’ve had, this result feels phenomenal, everyone deserves it.

“It’s a testament to our character and the quality as well. We have the quality to do these type of things.

“The rest of the games we have, till the end of the season are must-wins.

“At the beginning of the season, these type of games (the Europa League semi-final), are the ones we want to play.

“Unto the next on Sunday, and that’s our focus,” the one-time Premier League Champion concluded.

Nottingham Forest are currently 16th on the Premier League table, three points above the relegation zone.