The rising profile of Nigerian defender Ola Aina reached an all high this week when he was adjudged best defender in the ongoing season among the top five European Leagues.
According to WhoScored the Nottingham Forest defender leads the way in the top five European leagues for winning the ball back in defensive areas.
Aina has also scored twice this season with one of the goals adjudged GOTM by Nottingham Forest fans to further shore up his rating.
Last weekend, the Africa Nations Cup silver winner was singled out for helping Forest beat league holder Manchester City in a 1-0 win at home.
He was credited with keeping out City’s deadly wingers; Jeremy Doku and Omar Marmoush from making incursions into Forest’s box.
Indeed, his tackle on Marmoush put the ball back in the Reds possession to go and net the winner against the champions.
He also won four ground duels against Jérémy Doku, who he lined up against from the start at The City Ground, making three clearances, two headed clearances and four ball recoveries against City.
In addition, the Forest full-back has played over 2,500 minutes in all competitions this season, and is already enjoying his best season in the top division of the countries he has played in.
Aina has won the ball back in defensive areas a full 13 times more than any other player putting Aina top of the list across the continent.
The 28-year-old’s defensive prowess has help Forest to 12 Premier League clean sheets this season, the most in the division, and the joint-most of the full-back’s career to date.
Additionally, Aina had made 30 interceptions in 2024/25, the most in the Forest squad and the joint-26th most across the Premier League.
Aina has put in 58 tackles in all competitions with 53 of those coming in the Premier League putting the defender joint-38th in the division.
Key figure
Aina has emerged as a key figure for Nottingham Forest since joining the club in the summer of 2023. His journey to the Premier League started in Chelsea’s youth ranks, before he carved out his path through Hull City, Torino, and Fulham.
Aina, in a recent interview by NBC Sport, said his resilience has been fueled by the unwavering support of his Nigerian parents, whose belief in him has been a driving force throughout his career.
Aina reflects on his journey to the top of English football, the sacrifices that shaped his path, and the pride of representing Nigeria’s national team and being an African player in the Premier League. Aina also shares insights into Nottingham Forest’s remarkable “fairytale” season, revealing the mindset and determination behind their success.
In Nigerian culture, there is so much power in a name. Can you give us the proper pronunciation of your full name and share what it means?
My name is Olaoluwa (Oh-la-oh-loo-wah) Aina (eye-NUH). ‘Olaoluwa’ means ‘God’s gift’ or ‘God’s wealth’, and ‘Aina’ [refers to] the birth of a child with the umbilical cord wrapped around its neck.
You’ve said before that your parents’ sacrifices have been something that fuels you and that you want to be able to “pay them in ways that they can’t imagine”. Can you talk about what those specific sacrifices were?
Oh there are so many! Things like taking me to training — having to take time off work to do that on weekdays — and going to games on the weekends. They’ve had to dedicate a lot of their time to [invest] in me, and I’m grateful for that. It’s sort of paid off for them, so they’re living happily ever after now.
There are over 200 million people in Nigeria, and you’re one of the chosen few who gets to put on that kit. What does having that honor mean to you?
It means a lot. It’s a big honor to play for the Super Eagles. Every time I put the jersey or t-shirt on, it’s a great feeling — one that can’t really be matched. It’s really nice. I love playing for Nigeria, and hopefully, I can keep on playing for Nigeria for many more years.
What’s one of your favorite things about playing for the Nigerian team?
It’s actually going to Nigeria and playing there in front of the fans. It’s fun and I really enjoy it.
Looking back at your entire journey so far — the rejections, the risks you took, the struggles and sacrifices, having to learn to adapt to different cultures and different teams, dealing with the uncertainty—has it all been worth it so far and are you fulfilled?
Definitely. It’s definitely been worth it, and the journey still is going. It’s something that I take pride in and great pleasure from because I’m really enjoying myself. The journey has been amazing, and there’s nothing I would change about it.
What’s been the most pivotal decision you’ve made in your career so far?
Probably leaving England to play in Italy. I think that’s been the most pivotal for me because I was out of my comfort zone. I had to learn a different language and another way of life.
How about your parents? Is there one specific thing you can look back on and say, “If they didn’t do this or make this sacrifice, I wouldn’t be here?”
Yeah, there’ve been quite a few. I can’t really pinpoint one right now, but they’ve made so many for me that sometimes I look back on and think it was a bold move [on their [part]. For them to have done that really shows the belief they had in me and in the dream that I had.
I don’t think many people expected Nottingham Forest to be where it is today. A lot of people have described it as a “fairytale season. How would you describe this club, and what do you believe has been key to the success you’ve achieved so far this season?
I think the key to our success so far has been sticking to the plan, working hard for each other, and believing in each other.
We like to dream and we’re working hard for a dream that’s attainable. Hopefully, we can continue the hard work and the belief, and long may the success continue.
Looking back from last season to this one, what do you think has been the biggest shift in your personal development as a player?
I think I’ve had the same hard work mentality — the dedication to want to always do well. But I think this season I’ve had more fun. Last season was fun, but this season has been extra fun.
What do you love about this team?
We have fun! I think we’re a very energetic group. We take things seriously when needed, but ultimately, we just like to enjoy each and every moment that we have. When we need to be serious and work hard, we do that, but we also know how to enjoy every moment. We just have the right balance right now.
How do you celebrate and share your Nigerian culture with your team?
I would say through music. That’s the easiest way. Afrobeats is the easiest way to get the culture across, and the boys love it, so it’s good.
What does it mean to you personally to represent your heritage at such a high level, and how does it influence your approach to the game?
It means a lot. I’m representing Nigeria and Africa, and it just shows that there’s a lot of talent in Africa. There’s a lot of talent in our origin. We’re everywhere.
