Ola Aina Returns After Four-Month Absence in Emotional Night

Ola Aina made a dramatic return to competitive football just 48 hours after being left out of Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 squad, ending a four-month absence in bittersweet fashion on Friday night.

The Super Eagles defender featured for Nottingham Forest’s academy side as they claimed a 2-1 win over Millwall in the Premier League 2. It was Aina’s first appearance since Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier against South Africa, which marked the start of a long injury layoff.

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.