“Massive night”- Super Eagles star Ola Aina targets record as Forest tackle Aston Villa in UEL semis

Super Eagles star Ola Aina will be aiming for his first appearance in a major European final when Nottingham Forest face Aston Villa this Thursday, Afrik-Foot reports.

​The two Premier League rivals are set to battle for a spot in the Europa League final, scheduled to take place at the Beşiktaş Stadium in Istanbul.

The Tricky Trees will host Unai Emery’s side at the City Ground for the first leg before traveling to Villa Park for the return fixture next week.

​Speaking at the pre-match press conference alongside coach Vítor Pereira, Aina emphasized the magnitude of the occasion for the club.

​“It’s a special one. I know it’s a massive night for the club and the players in the dressing room,” Aina said.

“It’s an occasion that everyone will be relishing.”

​While Nottingham Forest hold home advantage in the first leg, the fixture remains a potential banana skin. Although Aston Villa have not secured major silverware recently, they are led by Unai Emery—a manager known for his mastery of the Europa League.

Also, Villa currently sit higher in the Premier League table, albeit many would argue there is little to separate the two squads in terms of individual quality.

​Ola Aina Nears A Career Milestone

​This semi-final clash represents a significant milestone for Aina. Despite stints at Chelsea, Hull City, and Torino, the rock-solid defender has never played for a trophy at this level of senior continental football.

While he tasted success in the UEFA Youth League during his time at Chelsea, a major European final has remained elusive until now.

The Super Eagles star is one of Forest’s most consistent performers this season. As such, coach Vítor Pereira will definitely be counting on Aina’s defensive solidity and overlapping runs to overcome a Villa side that will also be hungry for success.