‘Aina got injured at Afcon 2023’ – Nuno Santo reveals Nigerian’s injury situation

By Saheed Afolabi

Nottingham Forest gaffer, Nuno Espirito Santo has revealed that defender, Ola Aina played the just concluded 2023 Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) final with injury.

The Nigeria fullback was a major force for the Super Eagles at the 20th campaign on the continent in Cote d’Ivoire, where they finished as runners-up at the expense of the host nation.

Nuno said he has problem with the absence of key players that came back from the AFCON, including Aina, who he claims was injured in the semifinal win against South Africa but played through the pain in the final.

“We have some problems,” Nuno was quoted by Nottingham Forest.

“The three players who returned are not available. All of them – Ola, Willy and Ibrahim – came with injuries, so they will not be available for this match. We don’t have a date for their return.

“Ola got injured in the semi-final and played the final with an injury, he tried but didn’t really play in the final. Ibrahim the same, he was struggling since he was there at the AFCON. So the three of them are not available, which is bad for us.”

Forest are placed 16th on the Premier League log with 24 points in 25 matches.