Nigeria’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations received a major boost over the weekend after the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau, paid a visit to injured Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest full-back Ola Aina in London.
The Federation confirmed the courtesy visit via X on Sunday, writing:
“NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau paid a visit to Super Eagles defender Ola Aina in London, wishing him a speedy recovery as he continues his rehabilitation.”
Ola Aina in Advanced Recovery After September Surgery
Aina has been sidelined since September 9, when he suffered a hamstring tear during Nigeria’s tense 2026 World Cup qualifier against South Africa in Bloemfontein.
The defender left the pitch in severe discomfort, with scans later confirming the need for surgery.
The injury disrupted what had been a promising start to the season under Nottingham Forest, forcing the club, first under Ange Postecoglou and later Sean Dyche, to reshuffle their defensive unit.
Forest lost one of their most dynamic and versatile players, capable of operating seamlessly on either flank.
But optimism has grown in recent weeks. Aina has returned to light, grass-based training, with photos showing the 29-year-old engaged in controlled pitch work under the supervision of the sports science team.
Forest’s medical staff expect him to push toward full recovery between December and early 2026, though any involvement with the national team will depend strictly on medical clearance.
Super Eagles Relieved as AFCON Looms
Aina’s absence has been deeply felt by the Super Eagles. During the all-important CAF World Cup Qualifiers Playoff Final against DR Congo, head coach Eric Chelle had to field centre-back Benjamin Frederick as a makeshift right-back.
Aina’s defensive intelligence, attacking support, and experience in high-pressure matches make him indispensable to Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 plans.
With the Super Eagles opening their campaign on December 23 against Tunisia, the defender’s recovery is being closely monitored by national team handlers.
The NFF views Aina’s progress as “crucial,” recognising his importance to Chelle’s tactical structure as the team attempts to rebuild after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
“And it’s clean”: Aina Shares Update After Surgeon Visit
In addition to Gusau’s visit, Aina himself offered encouraging news earlier in the week. After a post-operation check-up with his surgeon, the defender took to Snapchat to reassure supporters, writing simply:
“And it’s clean.”
The message confirmed that his surgical wounds have healed properly and his recovery is on schedule.
Dyche Confirms Progress: “He is on the grass but not with us”
Ahead of Nottingham Forest’s clash against Manchester United last weekend, Forest manager Sean Dyche provided further insight into Aina’s fitness.
“Ola (Aina) is making good progress… He is very similar to Dilane Bakwa. He is on the grass but not with us; he is with the medical staff and sports science staff.”
Dyche insists on the need for caution, insisting the defender will not be rushed back for Nottingham Forest, who is currently battling relegation.
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Awoniyi Also Sidelined as Forest Injury Concerns Deepen
Dyche also confirmed that fellow Super Eagles star Taiwo Awoniyi has suffered another setback after making three substitute appearances in recent weeks.
The Forest manager described it as a “grumbling knee”, explaining:
“It is just a settling period, it is nothing too serious… it is a grumbling knee. It is serious enough to stop him from loading in daily training, but it is settling down.”
“He has improved, so credit to him for that. We are managing to keep his fitness levels up in the gym. We hope we are towards the end of that period.”
Awoniyi has featured in just four Premier League games this season and remains a huge miss for Forest’s attack.
Aina and Awoniyi: Central Figures for Club and Country
Both players remain core figures at Nottingham Forest.
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Ola Aina, since joining from Torino, established himself as one of Forest’s most reliable defenders before his injury.
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Taiwo Awoniyi scored 10 league goals in 2023/24, playing a major role in the club’s survival last season.
Their availability in the coming months could heavily influence Forest’s battle against relegation—and determine the calibre of squad Nigeria takes to AFCON 2025.
