Just three weeks to the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, Nigeria could be without defender Ola Aina after he suffered an injury in Nottingham Forest’s first Premier League game of the season.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side hosted Bournemouth at the City Ground on Saturday, with Aina starting at left-back. Forest, however, had to settle for a 1-1 draw, having seen Chris Wood’s first-half strike cancelled out by a late goal from Antoine Semenyo.
While the result was not too bad, the hosts were left sweating over the fitness of two key players after both Danilo and Aina had to be substituted due to separate injuries. Danilo suffered a broken ankle after just 15 minutes following an awkward landing and had to be stretchered off.
The Brazilian midfielder is now set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Ola Aina’s game in numbers against Bournemouth
Ola Aina, who was one of Forest’s lively players on the pitch, also had to come off early in the second half after suffering a calf injury.
The Nigeria international was replaced by Harry Toffolo in the 54th minute when he complained of discomfort and was captured limping off the pitch.
The full extent of the injury is not yet known but Nigerians would be hoping it’s not too serious, as the Super Eagles prepare to face Benin and Rwanda in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers in early September.
Before Aina’s injury, though, he was one of Forest’s best players on the pitch, with his marauding runs helping the team to attack more through the left flank. The 27-year-old may have lasted only 54 minutes, but he had 41 touches.
Aina also made one key interception, two tackles, two clearances and two ball recoveries. In addition, he won two ground duels, had one shot and was not dribbled past throughout his time on the pitch.
