Nigeria star Ola Aina marks injury return for Nottingham Forest after four months absence

Nigeria international Ola Aina made a dramatic return to competitive football after four months absence due to injury setback.

The 29-year-old defender featured for Nottingham Forest’s academy side as they claimed a 2-1 win over Millwall in the Premier League 2 on Friday night.

It was Aina’s first appearance since Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier against South Africa, where he succumbed to a worrying injury.

Aina was sidelined in September after picking up an injury setback while in action for the Super Eagles in the 2026 World Cup qualifier against South Africa.

Days after his omission from the Super Eagles AFCON 2025 squad, the enterprising defender has swiftly returned to action for Nottingham Forest.

The timing of his comeback was painful. Nigeria coach Eric Chelle had recently unveiled his 28-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, naming new players, including a right-back, while Aina was left out.

Despite the disappointment, the 29-year-old showed determination. Under academy coach Warren Joyce, Aina played over an hour and was directly involved as Forest took control early.

Adam Berry opened the scoring from a free-kick before Aina’s effort forced a save, allowing Berry to tap in the rebound for his second goal.

Substituted in the 63rd minute, Aina’s outing was managed as he continues his return to fitness. Ola Aina has been limited to only three appearances across competitions for Nottingham Forest due to the setback.