Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina is delighted to be back with the Super Eagles as Nigeria begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar on Friday.
Nigeria will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau in their second Group D qualifier next Tuesday.
Aina returns to the national team after a lengthy absence caused by an injury sustained during Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in September 2025.
Although he regained fitness and was included in Nigeria’s provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, the versatile defender did not make the final 28-man squad for the tournament.
The 29-year-old is now back in Eric Chelle’s squad and is eager to make the most of his return.
“It’s good to be back with the team and Nigeria,” Aina told Football Temple.
With the Super Eagles preparing for their first competitive fixture under the new qualifying campaign, Aina stressed the importance of starting strongly and securing maximum points on home soil.
“The motivation is to do well in the first qualifying game. We are looking to win and get all three points. Hopefully, that is what will happen,” he added.
Aina was an important member of the Nigerian side that reached the 2023 AFCON final in Ivory Coast, where the Super Eagles finished runners-up after losing to the hosts.
Since making his senior international debut in October 2017, the former Chelsea defender has earned 48 caps for Nigeria and contributed four assists.
His ability to operate on either flank has also made him a valuable option for Chelle, with the defender capable of playing at both right-back and left-back.
At club level, Aina has featured four times for Nottingham Forest in the Premier League this season and will now look to bring his experience and versatility to Nigeria’s AFCON qualification campaign.
The Super Eagles will be hoping to begin their journey towards the 2027 tournament with victory over Madagascar before turning their attention to Guinea-Bissau.
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