Ola Aina Undergoes Successful Hamstring Surgery, Targets Return Before New Year

Nigeria and Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has confirmed he has undergone successful surgery on the hamstring injury that has ruled him out of action since the international break.

Ola Aina, 28, shared the news on Instagram on Tuesday, posting a video from his hospital bed. In the clip, the Nigerian international was seen with straps around his right leg before later taking a few steps with the aid of crutches.

“I just finished having my first surgery and I want to say thank you for all the support and the messages. It is all in God’s timing, this is God’s plan,” he told fans in the short video.

The procedure was carried out on September 13, and Aina described it as the start of a long but determined journey back to full fitness.

The accompanying caption reads: “The journey begins. Surgery went really well and recovery is going smoothly. I am looking forward to getting stronger. A massive thank you to the club, my teammates and all the fans for the incredible support.

“I will be working hard every day to get back out there as soon as possible and can’t wait to be back on the pitch at the City Ground.”

Aina sustained the injury while on international duty with Nigeria, pulling up after just ten minutes during the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw against South Africa in a World Cup qualifier. Scans later confirmed the extent of the damage, with Forest’s medical staff estimating a recovery period of around three months, which means he is unlikely to feature again before December.

The injury has forced Nottingham Forest to leave him out of their Premier League squad for the first half of the season. However, he could be re-registered in January once fit. His absence has allowed striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who has been working his way back to full fitness, to take a place in the 25-man list.

For Nigeria, the setback could not have come at a worse time. Head coach Eric Chelle is already juggling several injury concerns, and Aina’s reliability on either defensive flank has been a vital part of the team’s plans.

With important qualifiers against Lesotho and the Benin Republic coming up in October, Chelle is expected to call on Bright Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi to step into the role.