Ola Aina is one that has had a very special travel to get to the top level of Premier League. His journey in football is fascinating. He was capped for England at every youth level up to U.20. However, he struggled to get much first team attention at Chelsea.
Aina moved out on loan to Hull and Torino, before the latter signed him permantly in 2019. During his years at Torino, he settled well and became a regular first team player at Serie A level. He built his career further before making a loan move to Fulham. This move marked his return to England and Premier League action.
On 22 July 2023, following his release from Torino, Aina joined Nottingham Forest on a one-year contract. He made his debut for the club on 12 August in a 2–1 loss against Arsenal in the Premier League. On 5 November, Aina scored his first goal for Forest. It was in a 2–0 win over Aston Villa at the City Ground.
On 21 May 2024, the club announced that they had activated a one-year contract extension for Ola Aina. His first Premier League goal of the 2024–25 season for Forest was scored in a 3–0 home win. This match was against West Ham on 2 November 2024. This result saw Forest go third in the league.
When football turns into art ft. Ola Aina. 🎶🇳🇬 #TotalEnergiesAFCON pic.twitter.com/vG90N1Ql8w
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) February 21, 2025
Aina was overlooked by England. He was far from any full international recognition. However, his family connections should bring him fortune. He could represent Nigeria. n 28 March 2017, Aina was pictured alongside Chuba Akpom of Arsenal after discussions with Nigeria Football Federation president, Amaju Pinnick.[26] In May 2017, Aina pledged his international future to Nigeria and obtained a Nigerian passport in preparation to making the switch from England to Nigeria.[27][28] In the same month, he was called up for the first time to play for Nigeria.[29]
In May 2018 he was named in Nigeria’s preliminary 30-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. However, he did not make the final 23. He was later recalled into the squad. He played a major role in the team’s qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations held in Egypt. He played the first match against Burundi, assisting the only goal of the match. On 25 December 2021, the Caretaker manager Eguavoen shortlisted him for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. He was part of the 28-man Nigeria squad. He has to date been capped 44 times for Nigeria.
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