Ola Aina update amid 'genuine concerns' about Nottingham Forest ace ahead of Arsenal clash
by Sarah Clapson · NottinghamshireLiveAn agreement was already in place for the early release of Ola Aina from international duty prior to the Nottingham Forest defender picking up a knock, it has been revealed.
Aina headed back to the UK after Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Benin Republic last Thursday. He had started the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier but was substituted in the 83rd minute and subsequently attended to by national team physios.
There are said to be “genuine concerns” about his fitness. However, the head coach of Nigeria has said he had an agreement in place with Forest to allow the full-back to leave camp early if AFCON qualification was secured.
The point against Benin did just that for Nigeria, meaning Aina was always going to miss the clash with Rwanda today (Monday). Reds head coach Nuno Espirito Santo will hope the 28-year-old’s knock isn’t a serious one ahead of Saturday’s return to Premier League action away to Arsenal (3pm kick-off).
"You know relationship is something that is key,” Nigeria interim coach Austin Eguavoen told All Nigeria Soccer. “Prior (to) our game in Cote d'Ivoire against Benin, I had a word with an official from Nottingham Forest and after that I got a message from Nuno, the manager of Forest, as well, pleading if we can release Ola Aina because they are playing Arsenal next weekend.
"I said okay, we have a deal, once we are able to get the result in Cote d'Ivoire, we will keep that relationship. We have got other players that we think can also play, so based on that we want to keep (the) relationship."
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A statement on the Nigeria Football Federation’s official website said: “English Premier League side Nottingham Forest begged for wing-back Olaoluwa Aina to be allowed to fly back to the United Kingdom for a crucial tie, with Nigeria already qualified for the AFCON.”
Over the weekend, reports from Nigeria suggested Aina had “suffered some difficulties and fatigue” during the draw in Abidjan. Eguavoen was quoted as saying: “Forest sent a private jet to get him back to England for their game against Arsenal.”
The Reds remain without long-term absentees Danilo (broken ankle) and Ibrahim Sangare (hamstring). The pair are making progress and it is hoped they could both return to training around Christmas time.