Nigeria’s quest to rebuild a resilient Tremendous Eagles forward of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations obtained a welcome carry over the weekend, as Nigeria Soccer Federation president Ibrahim Gusau visited sidelined defender Ola Aina in London.
The NFF confirmed the go to through X on Sunday, writing:
“NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau paid a go to to Tremendous Eagles defender Ola Aina in London, wishing him a speedy restoration as he continues his rehabilitation.”
Aina is within the superior levels of restoration from a hamstring tear suffered throughout Nigeria’s tense 2026 World Cup qualifier in opposition to South Africa in Bloemfontein again in September, an damage that abruptly halted his promising begin to the Premier League season with Nottingham Forest.
The fullback was compelled off the pitch in seen discomfort, later present process surgical procedure after scans revealed the extent of the harm.
The damage sidelined him for months, disrupted Forest’s defensive rhythm, and compelled the membership, beneath each Ange Postecoglou and later Sean Dyche, to reshuffle their backline choices.
His absence stripped Forest of considered one of their most dynamic shops on both flank.
However there may be now renewed optimism. Aina has returned to mild grass-based coaching at Nottingham Forest, with latest pictures exhibiting the 28-year-old partaking in managed pitch work, a key milestone in his rehabilitation programme.
Forest’s medical crew expects him to push towards full restoration between December and early 2026, although his national-team availability will hinge strictly on his health clearance.
For Nigeria, his regular progress is a significant reduction. The Tremendous Eagles have struggled for stability and depth within the fullback positions in latest months, and Aina’s return would supply precisely the type of expertise, depth, and steadiness head coach Eric Chelle wants as AFCON preparations attain essential stage.
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If his restoration continues at its present encouraging tempo, the previous Torino and Fulham defender stands a powerful probability of creating Nigeria’s AFCON squad, bringing management, ball development, and defensive intelligence again into the nationwide setup at simply the suitable second.
Because the countdown to Morocco 2025 continues, Aina’s rehabilitation is now not only a membership story; it’s considered one of Nigeria’s most carefully watched comeback battles.
