Super Eagles defender, Ola Aina stole the spotlight on Saturday, scoring a sensational goal in Nottingham Forest’s emphatic 3-0 triumph over West Ham.

In a victory that puts Forest at their highest league position since the 1999 season, Aina’s performance added a memorable chapter to his career as he netted his first goal of the season and ninth as a defender.

The goal was especially meaningful for Aina, who hadn’t scored in twelve months. His last strike came in a 2-0 win over Aston Villa in November 2023.

Ola Aina scores his team’s third goal during the Premier League match against and West Ham United FC at City Ground. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

This time, in the 78th minute, Aina’s moment arrived as he fired the ball from just outside the penalty box into the net, sealing Forest’s dominant display following goals from Chris Wood (27th minute) and Callum Hudson-Odoi (65th minute).

Not one to hide his excitement, Aina took to Instagram to share his joy. Alongside snapshots of the game, he posted:

“Sometimes you have to beeeennnnggg it. Great 3 points, 4ward we go!!!!!” His celebration captured the energy of the night, marking a high point in the Super Eagles star’s steady climb.

In an interview with Nottingham Forest’s YouTube channel, head coach Espírito praised the former Chelsea player for his impressive performance, especially his goal.

“I think we have been many mentioned this many times, having more goals from inside of the team ,can come from a set piece.

“We had good situations. I think Nico had a good situation from Lucas Fabianski, even the Soza one.

“So we are delighted that almost every player starts to giving the belief that he can the team with goals.

“This is very positive and a beautiful goal from Ola Aina.”

Aina’s journey reflects his ambition to go beyond defensive duties, as he previously expressed his goal to increase his tally even as a defender. And with a strike as stunning as Saturday’s, he seems well on his way.