Aina Nearing Full Fitness After U-21 Return

Nottingham Forest head coach Sean Dyche has provided an update on Ola Aina’s fitness as the Super Eagles defender continues his recovery from a hamstring injury. The 29-year-old was forced off inside ten minutes during Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with South Africa, a setback that affected the team’s World Cup hopes. Aina later underwent surgery and was ruled out for three months, missing Eric Chelle’s final 28-man AFCON squad.

The defender returned to action, featuring the U-21 side in a 2-1 win over Millwall.

“It’s looking better,” Dyche said… adding that Ola “is halfway through his progress in fitness… training more regularly with the team now.” He explained that Aina “is still a bit of a way off with his true fitness… but he is making progress forward.” Despite the progress, Aina will return next year.