Nottingham Forest right-back, Ola Aina, earned a well-deserved spot in WhoScored’s Premier League Team of the Week following the club’s 3-1 victory over Brentford in Gameweek 1 of the 2025/26 season.
The 28 year old Nigerian was outstanding, posting a match rating of 7.73 thanks to his defensive solidity and forward thrust. He made seven clearances, claimed eight of 17 duels, and completed three tackles without being dribbled past. On top of that, he contributed 75 touches, an impressive 88 per cent pass accuracy, and even managed one successful dribble .
Forest’s dominant first-half display set the tone, with Chris Wood bagging a brace and Dan Ndoye adding a third goal. The selection underscores Aina’s growing importance at the club, particularly after he signed a three-year contract extension in July. His performance caps off a strong 2024/25 season where he started 35 of 38 matches, scored twice, and provided one assist.
Much of the Team of the Week was filled by Tottenham Hotspur players—Richarlison (9.20), Kudus (8.65), and Sarr (8.40) with other notable inclusions including David Raya (Arsenal), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), and Nico Gonzalez (Manchester City).
As Nottingham Forest prepare to face Crystal Palace next, Aina will hope to maintain this excellent form.
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Editorial
We can’t help but feel proud of Ola Aina’s resurgence. Emerging as a key figure for Nottingham Forest, his performance against Brentford was both balanced and assured. He married defensive grit with offensive ambition, reminding us just how dynamic a modern full-back can be.
Signing a three year extension in July wasn’t just a contract it was a commitment. He repaid that faith immediately, delivering a display that spoke of confidence and consistency. The stats brim with substance not dribbled past, high possession involvement, and clarity in defence. It is the kind of well-rounded display every manager dreams of.
Forest’s emphatic start to the season, anchored by performances like Aina’s, signals intent. The contributions from Wood and Ndoye were vital, but Aina’s quiet control helped cement their dominance. We believe his form will inspire not just team-mates, but also a nation eager for glimpses of excellence from its home-based stars.
As the campaign unfolds, we sense that this performance could mark a turning point for the team and for Aina himself.
Did You Know?
- Ola Aina began his senior career at Chelsea, rising through their academy before making his senior debut for Fulham on loan.
- Nottingham Forest’s current manager, Nuno Espírito Santo, once guided Wolves to Premier League safety with highly organised defensive structures.
- Forest’s City Ground is one of the oldest stadiums in English football, originally opened in 1898.
- Aina is not the only Nigerian to grace WhoScored’s Team of the Week—Wilfred Ndidi has also featured multiple times during his Leicester City tenure.
- Chris Wood, who scored twice in this match, is New Zealand’s all-time leading international goalscorer, underlining the global mix boosting the Premier League.
