Nigeria worldwide and Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has confirmed he has undergone profitable surgical procedure on the hamstring harm that can rule him out of motion for as much as three months.
The 28-year-old took to Instagram on Tuesday to submit a brief video from his hospital mattress, displaying his proper leg strapped and later transferring with the help of crutches. The clip, which he revealed was recorded on September 13, got here with a heartfelt message to followers.
“I simply completed having my first surgical procedure and I need to say thanks for all of the help and the messages. It’s all in God’s timing, that is God’s plan,” Aina mentioned.
Accompanying the video, Aina added a caption that framed the operation as the start of an extended however hopeful journey again to full health.
“The journey begins. Surgical procedure went very well and restoration goes easily. I’m trying ahead to getting stronger. A large thanks to the membership, my teammates and all of the followers for the unbelievable help. I will probably be working laborious on daily basis to get again on the market as quickly as attainable and might’t wait to be again on the pitch on the Metropolis Floor.”
Harm blow for Nigeria and Forest
Aina sustained the harm whereas on worldwide responsibility with Nigeria, limping off simply 10 minutes into the Tremendous Eagles’ 1–1 World Cup qualifying draw with South Africa earlier this month. Scans later confirmed the severity, with Forest’s medical employees projecting his earliest return date in December.
The setback is especially pricey for each membership and nation. Nottingham Forest have been pressured to deregister Aina from their Premier League squad for the primary half of the season, although he will be reinstated in January. His absence opened up a spot for striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who’s now anticipated to characteristic within the squad checklist.
For Nigeria, the timing is not any much less troubling. Head coach Eric Chelle is already juggling health considerations in his squad, and Aina’s versatility; able to taking part in each full-back roles whereas contributing in assault, has been central to the Tremendous Eagles’ tactical plans.
World Cup qualifiers loom
Nigeria are locked in a decent Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the place each level will show decisive within the race for one in every of Africa’s 9 computerized tickets to the event in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
With essential fixtures in opposition to Lesotho and Benin Republic scheduled for October, Chelle will seemingly flip to Brilliant Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi or an unlikely home-based choice to fill the hole left by Aina. All have been a part of current squads, however none carries fairly the identical mixture of defensive solidity and attacking thrust that Aina brings.
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Aina’s hopeful message
Regardless of the disruption, Aina’s tone remained constructive, insisting that he’s already targeted on his restoration.
“It’s going to be all proper,” he assured Forest and Nigeria followers, underscoring his dedication to return stronger.
The surgical procedure might have briefly sidelined one in every of Nigeria’s most constant performers, however his resilience; and his significance to each membership and nation, means all eyes will probably be on his restoration over the approaching months.
For now, the Tremendous Eagles and Nottingham Forest should regulate with out a participant whose reliability and flexibility have made him indispensable.
