Aina’s AFCON Hopes Uncertain as Forest Boss Gives Injury Update

Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche has given a worrying update on Super Eagles fullback Ola Aina ahead of Thursday’s Europa League match against Malmo. Aina has been out since suffering a hamstring injury during Nigeria’s 1-1 World Cup qualifier against South Africa in September.

The 29-year-old has missed four international matches and fourteen club games despite sharing training photos that sparked optimism about a possible AFCON return. Dyche, however, confirmed the defender is yet to rejoin full team sessions, saying, “Ola Aina is not on the grass with us yet… he's still going to take a bit of time.”

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.