There is still uncertainty surrounding the return of Super Eagles full-back Ola Aina, after Nottingham Forest refused to commit to a date for his comeback. Despite signs of progress in training, the club says it has no official timeline for when the Nigerian defender will be fully match-ready.
Aina has been sidelined for several months after suffering a hamstring injury during international duty with the Super Eagles. His last competitive appearance came earlier in 2025, and he subsequently underwent surgery.
In recent weeks, the defender had posted images of himself doing light, individual training, a sign that his rehabilitation was progressing. That gave many Nigerian fans hope that he might be cleared in time for the upcoming AFCON 2025.
But during a media update, Nottingham Forest’s media officer made it clear that the club cannot commit to a return date. According to him, while Aina is doing “individual work” on the training pitch, he remains outside the main squad. When asked about a potential re-integration, the club representative simply said, “No, nothing I can share on that.”
This cautious approach suggests Forest are unwilling to risk rushing Aina back before he is 100% fit, a decision likely influenced by medical assessments and the player’s conditioning.
For the Super Eagles’ team, the uncertainty raises fresh headaches. Nigeria had counted on Aina’s pace, defensive solidity and experience at right-back as part of the build-up to both AFCON 2025 and World Cup qualifying matches.
With just weeks to the start of the continental tournament, the rejection of a return date leaves the door open for other players to stake claims but also raises questions about squad planning and defensive balance.
Forest insist they will only bring Aina back when he is fully ready. In the meantime, the 28-year-old remains under close monitoring by the club’s medical and sports-science staff. For now, all eyes at both Nottingham and the NFF camp will be on his recovery process.
Nigeria Fans and football followers will definitely be looking keenly for the next update on this issue, which could come via training reports, medical clearance or a first full-team session. Until then, Ola Aina’s comeback remains “undated.”
