Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has admitted that football was his only realistic route to success, revealing that he struggled academically and never believed he would thrive in another profession if his playing career failed to take off.
The Nottingham Forest full back made the candid admission while reflecting on his journey to the top, explaining that some of his Nigeria teammates possessed the intelligence and academic ability to succeed in careers outside football, unlike himself.
“If I didn’t play football, I was finished. In school, I tried, academically, it was not my thing,” Aina said.
The 29-year-old singled out fellow Super Eagles star Alex Iwobi for special praise, describing the midfielder as someone capable of excelling in almost any profession.
“Like these men, they could all be doctors, if they wanted to be. Alex is a mathematician, book smart, as for me, football just had to work out,” he added.
Aina’s comments offered a rare insight into the realities faced by many young footballers whose ambitions on the pitch are often tied to wider hopes of building a successful future. For the defender, football was not merely a passion but a necessity.
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Born in England to Nigerian parents, he progressed through Chelsea’s famed academy system, where he developed into one of the club’s most promising young defenders. Although first-team opportunities at Stamford Bridge proved limited, successful loan spells helped him establish himself before permanent moves allowed his career to flourish.
The versatile defender enjoyed productive spells with Hull City and Italian side Torino, earning a reputation for his consistency, athleticism and ability to operate across multiple defensive positions.
His performances at club level also translated onto the international stage. After representing England at youth level, Aina switched allegiance to Nigeria and has since become one of the Super Eagles’ most dependable performers.
