Super Eagles Defender Ola Aina Faces Lengthy Spell Out With Hamstring Injury
Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has been ruled out of action for at least three months after sustaining a hamstring injury, dealing a heavy blow to both Nigeria and his club.
The versatile full-back, who has been a regular feature for the Super Eagles, picked up the injury during the World Cup qualifier with South Africa, and subsequent scans confirmed the extent of the damage.
The setback means Aina will miss a crucial stretch of the season for his club, Nottingham Forest, including Nigeria’s upcoming World Cup qualifying matches and his club’s domestic fixtures.
Medical staff have indicated that the 27-year-old will need a minimum of 12 weeks to fully recover, with a rehabilitation program already underway. His absence leaves a gap in Nigeria’s defence, especially as the team prepares for key fixtures against strong continental rivals.
Aina, known for his pace, defensive awareness, and ability to play across multiple positions, has been an integral part of the national team setup since making his debut in 2017.
Due to his extended absence, the versatile player has now been left off Nottingham Forest’s Premier League roster, which was announced on Thursday.
In addition, the versatile full-back will miss Nigeria’s international friendly with Venezuela in November as well as their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and the Benin Republic in October.
