Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina 34 after the final whistle as Nottingham Forest lose 3-4 during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest [Photo credit/Imago]
Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has had his first surgery on a torn hamstring in his right leg, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 28-year-old played 87 minutes against Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in the first of Nigeria’s two games during the September International break.
However, he had to be taken off inside ten minutes at the Free State Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein as the Super Eagles played a 1-1 draw against South Africa, as Nigeria’s World Cup hopes hit the rocks.
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Aina returned to Forest, and the extent of his injury was confirmed. The former Chelsea player’s earliest return is expected by December, hinting that he could miss the Super Eagles’ AFCON 2025 campaign in Morocco.
Aina confirms successful surgery
In an official video on his Instagram page, the former Torino player confirmed he had undergone his first surgery and thanked fans for the recovery messages they sent.
“On the 13th of September [four days ago], I had my operation. Thank you for all the support and all the messages and stuff.
“I just finished having my surgery. It’s my first one, but yeah, I just want to say thank you for all the messages.
“We move. It’s all in God’s timing; this is God’s plan.” Aina said in the clip he posted.
Aina’s absence is a big blow for Nottingham Forest and the Super Eagles at large. The Reds missed him in their 3-0 loss to Arsenal.