Boost for Nigeria As Super Eagles Star Returns to Action After 116 Days Out Through Injury
- Ola Aina returned from a 116-day injury lay-off after making his first appearance in the English Premier League since August 2025
- The Super Eagles defender featured for 69 minutes in Nottingham Forest’s 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa on January 3, 2026
- Aina has been out of action since picking up a serious hamstring injury while on international duty in September last year
- Football expert has said that the defender's return to action was good news, but sad he'll not feature in AFCON
Super Eagles star Ola Aina has made a much-anticipated return from injury, featuring in Nottingham Forest’s 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
The fullback’s long absence saw him miss 23 matches across all competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations, despite being named in Nigeria’s provisional squad.
Source: Getty Images
Aina, who had been sidelined for 116 days following a hamstring injury sustained during Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against South Africa in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, was named in the starting line-up and played 69 minutes before being replaced by Nicolo Savona, according to Livescores.
The defender’s return is considered a major boost for his club and his country, with Forest manager Sean Dyche hoping the 29-year-old fullback could help strengthen the side’s defensive line as they battle to avoid relegation.
Despite Aina’s return, Nottingham Forest struggled to contain Aston Villa, who secured a 3-1 victory at the City Ground, according to BBC Sport.
Source: Getty Images
Aina returns despite Nottingham Forest loss
Ollie Watkins and John McGinn were in scintillating form, with Watkins scoring his fourth goal in three games and McGinn netting a double.
Morgan Gibbs-White managed a consolation goal for Forest, but it wasn’t enough to halt Villa’s momentum in the EPL this season.
Meanwhile, the defeat marked Forest’s fourth straight league loss, a run that has sparked mounting pressure on Dyche and his squad.
Currently four points above the relegation zone, Forest face another tough assignment against West Ham on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, with former manager Nuno Espirito Santo’s team sitting just below them.
While Aina showed glimpses of his attacking and defensive qualities during the match, the result emphasised that Nottingham Forest still have work to do to tighten their defensive organisation and regain form.
Nigeria chase AFCON title without Aina
For the Super Eagles, Ola Aina’s return could not have come at a better time.
Though the 29-year-old defender missed the Africa Cup of Nations group stage, Nigeria dominated Group C, winning all three matches to finish top and secure qualification for the Round of 16.
The Super Eagles are now set to face Mozambique on Monday, January 5, with hopes of adding another continental title to their history.
Aina’s fitness return means the Nottingham Forest defender could now be available for selection after the AFCON ends in Morocco.
The fullback’s return also offers optimism for Forest fans, who hope he can regain his top form and help the club stabilise in the Premier League.
Nigerian football expert, Bright Akpotabor, in a chat with Legit.ng, stated that Aina's return to action was good news for Nigeria.
"Nigerians are excited to see Ola Aina back in action after several months out of action. The Nottingham Forest defender has been an integral member of the Super Eagles, and although he is not at the AFCON, his absence has surely been felt by the team in Morocco."
NFF president meets Aina in London
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the president of the Nigeria Football Federation had made a personal visit to London to meet with Ola Aina.
Ibrahim Musa Gusau checked in on the defender and offered words of encouragement amid his rehabilitation for a serious hamstring injury.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
