“It’s my heritage” — Ola Aina explains why he chose Nigeria over England

Nottingham Forest star Ola Aina has said that his decision to choose Nigeria over England was driven by identity, family roots, and a deep sense of belonging.

The enterprising defender, who was born and raised in London, originally came through England’s youth system before ultimately committing his senior international future to Nigeria.

Speaking in an interview on Nottingham Forest’s official YouTube channel, Aina explained that the decision was made at around the age of 20, after carefully considering his background and connection to both countries.

Aina was clear that his switch was not a rushed or emotional reaction, but rather a thoughtful choice shaped by his upbringing and family history.

“Born and raised in London, I chose to play for Nigeria. It was simply a decision I made when I was around 20. That’s where my parents are from; that’s my heritage,” he said.

The defender emphasized that Nigeria’s offer came at the right time in his career, and once the opportunity presented itself, he had no hesitation in embracing it fully.

“The opportunity presented itself, and I believed it was the right one at that moment, so I embraced it wholeheartedly, and here I am today,” Aina added.

Before committing to Nigeria, Aina represented England at various youth levels, where he was regarded as a promising defensive talent.

However, the pull of his Nigerian heritage eventually proved decisive, leading him to switch allegiance and begin a new international chapter with the Nigeria national football team.

Since making the switch, Aina has become an important figure for the Super Eagles, contributing experience, versatility, and stability in defence.

Aina’s comments highlight a broader theme common among dual-nationality footballers, where identity and personal connection often play a key role in international decisions.

For the Nottingham Forest defender, the choice was ultimately about representing the country of his parents and embracing his roots on football’s biggest stage.

His journey reflects the growing trend of players born in Europe choosing to represent African nations, strengthening national teams across the continent with diaspora talent.

At club level, Aina continues to be a valuable asset for Nottingham Forest FC, offering flexibility across the defensive line and contributing to the team’s Premier League campaign.

Internationally, he remains part of Nigeria’s plans as the Super Eagles look to build a competitive squad capable of challenging at major tournaments.

Looking back, Aina’s decision to choose Nigeria has become a defining moment in his career—one rooted not in convenience, but in identity.

As he continues to perform for both club and country, his story stands as a reminder of how heritage and football often intersect in powerful and personal ways.