Ola Aina Returns to Action, Plays 63 Minutes in Forest Academy’s 2–1 Win

Super Eagles full-back Ola Aina took a significant step in his recovery from injury on Friday, featuring for Nottingham Forest’s academy side in their 2–1 victory over Millwall in the U21 Premier League Cup.

The 29 year old, out for 94 days with a hamstring problem sustained while on Nigeria duty, played 63 minutes in his natural full-back position before being replaced by Cormac Daly.

Adam Berry opened the scoring for Forest in the 28th minute and doubled the lead shortly after, with Aina involved in the build-up before Millwall reduced the deficit in the 75th minute. Forest held on to maintain their 100 per cent record in the U21 Premier League Cup.

Aina’s return follows a lengthy rehab period after his hamstring injury and surgery in September, and it marks a key milestone as he builds match fitness ahead of a hoped-for return to senior action in January. He was omitted from Nigeria’s final AFCON 2025 squad after Forest indicated he wasn’t ready for competitive action at the time.

Editorial

There are returns in football that signify more than just minutes on a pitch they signal momentum, resilience, and the long road back from adversity. Ola Aina’s latest outing for Nottingham Forest’s academy side is precisely that kind of moment. After three months on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, stepping back onto a competitive pitch even a youth-cup fixture — reflects a commitment to recovery and readiness that goes beyond routine rehabilitation.

Aina has been a mainstay in Forest’s defence in recent years, known as much for his versatility and determination as for his pace down the flank. His injury in September not only robbed his club of stability in a crucial phase but also denied Nigeria a seasoned right-back presence in AFCON 2025 — a tournament where his experience would surely have been valued.

But progress isn’t always linear. Today’s 63 minutes just enough to test match fitness without overexertion was a carefully measured step, one that acknowledges both the physical demands of top-flight football and the patience required to meet them. For a player who has stood at the intersection of club leadership and national expectation, this return is not a conclusion, but the beginning of a renewed challenge to rediscover form, regain confidence, and once again anchor defensive lines at the highest level.

Ultimately, football rewards those who bridge setbacks with resolve. This outing is a marker of that journey — and if Aina continues on this path, the next chapter may see him not at youth level, but back among the senior ranks driving results for Forest and, eventually, for the Super Eagles.

Did You Know?

1. Aina had been sidelined since September after sustaining a hamstring injury on Super Eagles duty, requiring surgery and leading to a roughly three-month absence.
2. His omission from Nigeria’s final AFCON 2025 squad was influenced by Nottingham Forest’s stance that he was “not fit” enough to compete in the tournament.
3. Aina joined Nottingham Forest on a free transfer in 2023 and quickly became a key defensive figure, earning a one-year contract extension that keeps him at the club through the 2025/26 season.
4. Before his move to Forest, Aina developed in Chelsea’s youth system and later played in Serie A with Torino, as well as on loan with Hull City and Fulham.
5. Forest’s academy win where Aina featured helped maintain their perfect U21 Premier League Cup record, indicating strong depth and youth performance within the club’s development ranks.