Super Eagles star Ola Aina gives positive injury update

Nigerian international and Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has provided a brief but positive update on his recovery from a long-term hamstring injury, fueling hopes for his return to action in early 2026.

The 29-year-old full-back sustained the debilitating injury while on international duty with Nigeria during their 1–1 draw against South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The severity of the setback required surgery shortly after his return to England, a procedure that regretfully ruled him out of the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Aina visited his doctors on Tuesday for a crucial progress assessment and later took to Snapchat to share the encouraging result with fans, posting the succinct message: “And it’s clean.”

Ola Aina Targeting a January Return

The news aligns with the optimism coming from the Nottingham Forest medical staff. They have consistently maintained that the former Chelsea and Torino player is making steady progress in his rehabilitation.

Club medical sources suggest that Aina could return to full training by January 2026 if his recovery continues according to plan.

The right-back’s absence has been keenly felt by both the Super Eagles—for whom he has made over 48 appearances since his 2017 debut—and his club side. Aina had featured in three Premier League matches earlier this season before the injury, marking a significant gap in the squad under the new management of Sean Dyche, who replaced Ange Postecoglou.