Nigerian legend Sunday Oliseh has expressed confidence in his compatriot and Super Eagles defender Ola Aina, who currently plays for Nottigham Forest, a club battling relegation in the English elite division.
Aina's Nottingham Forest finds itself entrenched in the relegation zone with 29 points, holding a slim three-point lead over Luton Town, currently occupying 18th place in the English Premier League standings.
With a lacklustre performance throughout the season, Nottingham Forest faces a daunting task of winning their final two matches of the 2023-24 season to secure their Premier League status.
At 27, Aina is a key player for the Portuguese manager because of his versatility. Aina joined Forest in July 2023 on a one-year deal after being released by Torino.
Oliseh shows belief in Ola Aina amidst relegation battle
The 49-year-old took to his X page to share his thoughts on compatriot Aina's journey in football.
“Somehow I just believe so much in Ola Aina's potential to achieve bigger things in football. He seems to possess everything to succeed. Heads up, younger bro. Join me in wishing him well with the relegation struggle,” Oliseh wrote.
Oliseh, a one-time Olympic gold medallist, was appointed manager of the Super Eagles in July 2015, at a time not many felt he was a right fit, especially given his relative inexperience.
He had only briefly managed one team – Belgian lower-league side Vervietois – prior to his being named Super Eagles boss, and that was deemed by critics as inadequate preparation for taking one of the biggest managerial jobs in African, if not world, football.
By the time Oliseh vacated the office, though, he’d delivered enough – just two of 14 games lost, 19 goals scored and six conceded – to make those who doubted his aptitude on the basis of experience eat much of their words.
What are Aina's performance stats for Nottingham Forest this season?
Ola Aina has featured in 21 English Premier League matches this season, starting 19 of them, and has contributed with one goal and one assist.
On average, he plays 78 minutes per game, making 0.8 interceptions and 2.0 tackles per game according to Opta statistics.
Aina: Nottingham Forest's defensive lighthouse in Premier League survival battle
In Nottingham Forest's uphill battle for Premier League survival, Ola Aina has emerged as a pivotal figure in their defensive setup.
With his wealth of experience and defensive prowess, Aina's contributions on the field have been crucial in the team's efforts to secure crucial points and stave off relegation threats.
Aina's versatility shines through as he seamlessly transitions between defensive positions, providing stability and resilience to Forest's backline.
His ability to read the game and make timely interceptions has thwarted countless opposition attacks, while his composure under pressure serves as a calming presence amidst the chaos of relegation battles.
Beyond his defensive duties, Aina's offensive contributions cannot be overlooked. His marauding runs down the flanks and pinpoint crosses into the box inject much-needed creativity and attacking impetus into Forest's gameplay.
The versatility of his prowess has won him the affection and admiration of not only the technical handlers of his club and potential suitors but also neutral fans alike.
Aina is strong, quick and good in the air and is adept to using his body to shield the ball away from danger and his speed ensures he can make powerful recovery tackles when required and also a good passer of the ball.
Whether it's breaking down opposing defences or providing an outlet for counterattacks, Aina's presence on the field significantly bolsters Forest's chances of beating the drop.
As the season reaches its climax and every point becomes crucial in the fight for survival, Aina's role in Nottingham Forest's campaign takes on added significance.
With his leadership, defensive solidity, and attacking flair, the Nigerian international stands as a beacon of hope for Forest as they strive to retain their Premier League status against all odds.
