Uncertainty surrounds Ola Aina’s availability for AFCON 2025

Nigeria risk losing enterprising defender Ola Aina for upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament to be staged in Morocco due to injury setback.

The 29-year-old right-back has been out of action since September after picking up an injury while in action for the Super Eagles in a World Cup qualifier against South Africa, where both teams shared the spoils.

In his absence, the Super Eagles of Nigeria failed to book qualification to the global showpiece to be staged in the USA, Canada and Mexico, while Nottingham Forest continues to struggle in the Premier League this season.

Since the setback, the enterprising full-back has missed a combined 18 matches for club and country.

Few days to the commencement of the AFCON tournament, Nottingham Forest Sean Dyche has given a worrying update on the Nigeria star, saying he is yet to hit the pitch.

“Ola Aina is not on the grass with us yet… he’s still going to take a bit of time.” He said as the team gears up for the Europa League clash against Malmo FF on Thursday night.

The defender’s availability for the impending continental showpiece is in a serious doubt as he yet to begin training.

The Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle will soon announce Nigeria’s AFCON squad, with the team set to face Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda in Group C. Aina, a key part of Nigeria’s defence, remains hopeful of recovering in time.

Ola Aina has been limited to only three appearances across competitions for Nottingham Forest due to the setback.

Since making his debut for Nigeria in 2017, the full-back has racked up 48 appearances for the Super Eagles but he is yet to score or register an assist.