AFCON blow for Super Eagles as Ola Aina ruled out; Taiwo Awoniyi facing fresh injury concern

Nigeria defender Ola Aina has been ruled out of the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), while uncertainty surrounds the return date of compatriot Taiwo Awoniyi, according to Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche.

Aina has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury during Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against South Africa in September. Dyche confirmed that the full-back will not be fit again until the new year, effectively ruling him out of the continental tournament.

“Ola is expected to be sidelined until the new year,” Dyche said, revealing that scans conducted at Forest showed the defender required surgery, which will keep him out for at least three months. As a result, Aina was omitted from Forest’s 25-man Premier League squad for the first half of the season, with striker Awoniyi included instead.

Awoniyi, who has struggled for game time this season, played only 30 minutes in the recent league match against Leeds. Although he did not appear to suffer any injury during the game, Dyche disclosed that the striker is now dealing with a fresh concern.

“I thought Taiwo did really well when he came on against Leeds. Unfortunately, he has now picked up a bit of an injury and we will see how that settles down,” the manager said.

The latest setbacks come as Nigeria continues to assess its squad depth ahead of the AFCON, with head coach Finidi George already dealing with other injuries across the team.