Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has shared an encouraging update on his recovery from the hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined since September.
The Nottingham Forest full-back sustained the injury while on international duty for Nigeria in their 1–1 draw against South Africa during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The setback required surgery shortly after his return to England, ruling him out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Image Credit: Aina/Snapchat
Aina, 29, visited his doctors on Tuesday to assess his progress and later took to Snapchat to post a short but uplifting message:
“And it’s clean.”
Image Credit: Aina/Snapchat
The post indicated that his check-up went well and his recovery is on track.”
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Nottingham Forest medical staff have maintained that the former Chelsea and Torino player is making steady progress and could return to full training by January 2026 if his rehabilitation continues as planned.
Aina’s absence has been felt by both club and country. The 28-year-old featured in three Premier League matches earlier in the season before picking up a knock under then-manager Ange Postecoglou, who has since been replaced by Sean Dyche.
Aina in action for the Super Eagles against Rwanda in the World Qualifiers in Uyo. Photo Credit: The Athletic Images
Aina had previously earned the trust of Nuno Espírito Santo before Postecoglou’s arrival, and will now have to fight for his place in Dyche’s new setup.
At Nottingham Forest, his energy and balance on the right flank provided both defensive stability and an outlet in attack during the early stages of the campaign, while the Super Eagles will miss his experience and versatility during the upcoming World Cup playoffs and Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
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The right-back, who has made over 48 appearances for Nigeria since making his debut in 2017.
