Dyche Gives Update on Ola Aina Ahead of Malmo Clash
Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche has given an update on the fitness of Super Eagles defender Ola Aina, who has been out of action for several months ahead of their Europa League match against Malmo on Thursday.
Aina picked up a hamstring injury in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against South Africa in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in September. Since then, the 29-year-old has been unavailable for both club and country.
The former Chelsea right-back has missed four international matches for Nigeria, including important playoff fixtures played in Morocco this month. At club level, he has also been absent for fourteen matches in all competitions for Nottingham Forest.
Although Aina has shared pictures online showing himself training individually, raising hope of an early return and possible involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations, Dyche made it clear that the defender is not yet ready to rejoin team training.
“Ola Aina is not on the grass with us yet. He still needs a bit more time,” Dyche said during his press conference.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is expected to release his AFCON squad list soon, with Nigeria placed in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda. Aina will be hoping for a full recovery in time to make the team and represent the country at the tournament.
