The Super Eagles of Nigeria have received a significant boost ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda with the return of Ola Aina to full fitness.
Aina, who plays as a full-back for Nottingham Forest, was feared to have sustained a serious ankle injury during his club’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth last weekend. The 26-year-old defender was forced to leave the pitch in the 54th minute, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming international fixtures. He was substituted by Harry Toffolo, which further heightened worries about the extent of his injury.
However, in a positive turn of events, Aina made a full recovery and featured for the entire 90 minutes in Nottingham Forest’s 1-0 victory over Southampton on Saturday. His strong performance against the Saints not only allayed fears about his fitness but also underscored his importance to both his club and the national team.
Aina’s return comes at a crucial time for the Super Eagles as they prepare for the pivotal AFCON qualifiers. His inclusion in the squad is expected, given his consistent form and versatility in defense. Aina’s ability to play both as a right-back and left-back adds valuable depth to the team as they seek to secure qualification for the 2025 AFCON.
Nigeria will host Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, September 7. This will be a key fixture for the Super Eagles as they aim to start the qualifiers on a strong note. Following the match in Uyo, the team will travel to Kigali to face Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium three days later.
Aina’s return to action is a timely boost for the three-time Africa champions, who will be looking to field a strong and cohesive team for these crucial matches. With Nottingham Forest player back in the fold, the Super Eagles can approach the qualifiers with added confidence, hoping to secure maximum points from their opening games.
