Nigeria international Ola Aina has been ruled out until early December after sustaining a hamstring injury, dealing a double setback to both Nottingham Forest head coach Ange Postecoglou and Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle.
The 28-year-old defender limped off just 10 minutes into Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against South Africa in Bloemfontein during Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. What initially appeared to be a precautionary substitution has now been confirmed as a serious injury.
According to Telegraph reporter John Percy, scans have revealed the extent of the hamstring problem, ruling Aina out for at least three months. His earliest possible return is expected in December, raising doubts over his involvement in Nigeria’s critical fixtures later this year.
Nottingham Forest Forced Into Squad Reshuffle
The injury has left Forest scrambling to adjust their squad. Aina, who played 37 matches across competitions last season and had featured in every Premier League minute so far this term, has been omitted from the club’s Premier League squad submitted on Thursday.
In response, Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who was initially left out of Forest’s Europa League squad, is now set to be registered for domestic action.
Speaking in his first press conference ahead of Forest’s weekend clash with Arsenal, Postecoglou confirmed the defender’s situation.
💬 “Basically, we’ve got a clean bill of health except for Aina who has just come back and obviously had an issue with the national team. We’ve sent him for some scans and we’ll get some information this afternoon,” the Australian coach said.
The news will come as a bitter blow for Postecoglou, who has relied heavily on Aina’s versatility and defensive stability since taking charge.
Nigeria’s Qualification Hopes Hit Hard
For Eric Chelle and the Super Eagles, Aina’s injury could not come at a worse time. Nigeria are six points adrift of leaders South Africa in CAF World Cup qualifying Group C and must win their two October fixtures to stand any chance of staying in contention for one of Africa’s automatic places.
Aina’s absence robs Chelle of one of his most experienced and reliable defenders. The former Chelsea academy graduate has been a mainstay for Nigeria in recent years, offering both defensive solidity and attacking support from the flanks.
With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco also on the horizon, his participation in the continental showpiece is now uncertain, depending on the pace of his recovery.
A Crucial Few Months Ahead
For both club and country, Aina’s injury comes at a decisive stage of the season. Nottingham Forest are adjusting to Postecoglou’s philosophy and face a tough run of fixtures, while Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the World Cup hang by a thread.
The Super Eagles faithful will be hoping the defender makes a full recovery in time to contribute to their AFCON campaign, but for now, both Nigeria and Forest must prepare for life without one of their most dependable players.
