‘Super Eagles star fits my style perfectly’ – Europa League-winning coach regrets Aina injury absence

Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has been offered reassurance by Nottingham Forest boss Ange Postecoglou following his recent hamstring surgery. 

The right-back went under the knife after picking up the injury in the opening minutes of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier against South Africa, and while the club has not confirmed a return date, he is expected to be sidelined for at least three months.

The injury is a major setback for both club and country. Aina had become a key figure for Nottingham Forest, starting almost every game last season and already featuring in the opening fixtures of the current Premier League campaign.

He now faces a race against time to be ready for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, a tournament where the Super Eagles will be looking to make an impact.

Postecoglou: Starting spot guaranteed for Super Eagles' Ola Aina upon comeback 

Speaking to BBC Radio Nottingham, Postecoglou offered encouragement to his player, saying, “Sometimes when these things happen early in the year, I said to him that the best part of the season will be there for him so he can make a massive impact when it is most needed.”

The Forest manager praised Ola Aina’s qualities, describing him as a perfect fit for his style of play and emphasizing his professionalism. 

“I was looking forward to working with him. I watched him as an opponent last year and, particularly with the way I like my full-backs to play, he was a perfect fit for it,” Postecoglou told BBC Radio Nottingham.

Aina had made the right-back position his own last season, featuring in 35 of Nottingham Forest’s 38 Premier League matches and playing full matches in each of the first three games of this season. 

His absence has left a noticeable gap in Forest’s lineup, and his eventual return is expected to provide a significant boost for both club and country as the season progresses.