Nottingham Forest and Nigeria international defender Ola Aina has broken his silence following surgery on a hamstring injury he sustained during the Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup qualifying clash against South Africa. The 28-year-old suffered the setback in the first half of the 1-1 draw on September 9, which forced him off the pitch and into the care of the medical team. Bright Osayi-Samuel replaced him during the match, while initial assessments suggested he would be sidelined for approximately three months, raising concerns among both club and national team supporters.
Successful surgery and rehabilitation update
Aina underwent surgery on September 13, with medical reports confirming that the procedure was successful and without complications. In an Instagram post addressing fans, the versatile full-back expressed optimism about his recovery. “Surgery went really well and recovery is going smoothly. Looking forward to WHAM. A massive thank you to the club, @officialnffc, my teammates, and all the fans for the incredible support over the past few days, it’s meant a lot,” he wrote, signaling his commitment to returning stronger for both club and country.
The update provided reassurance to Nottingham Forest fans, who were concerned about losing a key defensive figure during a crucial stretch of fixtures in both the English Premier League and European competitions. The club is currently preparing for a demanding series of matches, making Aina’s absence a notable challenge for head coach Steve Cooper.
Impact on club and national team
For Nottingham Forest, Aina’s injury is a significant blow. His defensive solidity and versatility were expected to be crucial as the team navigates a congested schedule that includes both domestic league matches and a return to European football. The club must now explore alternative defensive options while ensuring squad depth remains adequate to compete on multiple fronts.
On the international stage, Aina’s absence is equally concerning. Nigeria will be without one of their most consistent full-backs for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against the Republic of Benin and Lesotho later this year. Additionally, he will miss a scheduled friendly against Venezuela in November, which was intended as part of the team’s preparation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). His recovery timeline raises questions about whether he will be available for the continental tournament, where his experience and defensive leadership would have been invaluable.
Racing against time for AFCON
Aina has been a mainstay in the Super Eagles’ defensive setup, often featuring as a reliable full-back who contributes both defensively and offensively. His absence compels head coach Eric Chelle to consider alternatives and reshuffle the defensive lineup ahead of AFCON in December. Nigeria’s preparation for the tournament will now have to account for the absence of one of their most seasoned defenders, potentially impacting strategies and squad dynamics.
Despite the setback, Aina remains focused on a full recovery. His rehabilitation has already begun, and he is working closely with both club and national team medical staff to regain full fitness. Supporters will be closely monitoring his progress in the coming weeks, hoping for a swift and safe return to action ahead of crucial fixtures for Nottingham Forest and the Super Eagles.