Ola Aina: Nigerian defender joins Awoniyi, Dennis at Nottingham Forest

By Wale Mustapha

Olaoluwa Aina, Nigerian defender has completed his movement to Premier League side, Nottingham Forest for the 2023/2024 season.

The Super Eagles’ full back joined the Triky Trees from Serie A side, Torino after five seasons with the Turin based club.

The one year deal has also made the former Fulham player become Forest’s first signing of the summer, with options for the future also agreed in the contract.

A product of Chelsea Football Academy, Aina had played for England’s youth national teams before switching allegiance to play for Nigeria in 2017 and so far made 30 appearances for Super Eagles.

The 26-year-old who expressed delight to be back in the Premier League is already relishing the moment of playing with his team mates, especially his national team contingents in Taiwo Awoniyi and Emmanuel Dennis.

“I’m very excited to be here and I can’t wait to get started,” Aina told the club website.

“I wanted to be back on English soil again and Forest is a club which has an exciting project and team.

“The manager as well, what he wants from the team is something which I want to buy into. He’s told me it’s a family club, he’s told me we have a great bunch of players and he’s told me I’ll enjoy it here.”

“It’s exciting to be back playing in the Premier League. It’s the best league in the world and I always want to challenge myself.

“I know some of the boys well already which is good for me, but I’m excited to meet the rest of my teammates and get to know everyone.”