Ola Aina reveals Nottingham Forest’s success secrets after Manchester City win

By Monsurah Olatunji

Nigeria international Ola Aina has shared the key to Nottingham Forest’s impressive top-four charge in the Premier League.

The Tricky Trees secured a notable 1-0 victory over Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City at the City Ground, moving four points clear of the defending champions.

The win sees Forest sitting third in the Premier League with 51 points after 28 games.

This season, they have defeated lower-ranked teams and claimed crucial points against top sides like Liverpool, Tottenham, and Manchester clubs.

Aina, who played the full 90 minutes, played a key role in keeping Manchester City’s Jeremie Doku quiet throughout the match.

After the game, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, working as a pitch-side reporter, asked Aina for the secret behind Forest’s unexpected success.

“A group like us, we need it (the playful atmosphere); it keeps the positivity whether we get the results or we don’t,” Aina explained.

“It keeps a positive mindset in and around the training ground and in the team. Him (Callum Hudson-Odoi), myself, we make sure that it’s always high.”

With such an atmosphere, Aina believes Forest will continue to challenge for a top finish as they aim to secure their spot in European competitions next season.