Super Eagles Boost As Ola Aina Makes Long-Awaited Return For AFCON Qualifiers

Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has expressed his excitement at returning to the Super Eagles as Nigeria prepares to begin its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign against Madagascar.

Nigeria will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25, before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau in their next qualifying fixture on Tuesday.

Aina returns to the national team after nearly a year away from international football following an injury he suffered during Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in September 2025.

The 29-year-old regained his fitness and was included in Nigeria’s 54-man provisional squad for the 2025 AFCON but was not selected among the final 28 players for the tournament, which was held from December 2025 to January 2026.

Speaking on his return, Aina said he was pleased to be back with the national team and focused on helping Nigeria secure a positive start to the qualifying campaign.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the defender said the immediate objective was to perform well against Madagascar, secure all three points and begin the qualification process on a strong note.

Aina was part of the Nigerian squad that reached the final of the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, where the Super Eagles finished as runners-up.

Since making his senior international debut in October 2017, Aina has earned 48 caps for Nigeria and contributed four assists.

His ability to operate on either side of the defence also provides head coach Eric Chelle with additional options at full-back as the Super Eagles prepare for the qualifying fixtures.

At club level, Aina has featured four times for Nottingham Forest in the Premier League this season and will now turn his attention to helping Nigeria secure maximum points in the opening AFCON qualifier.

With Madagascar standing between Nigeria and a winning start to the campaign, Aina’s return adds further experience and versatility to the Super Eagles squad as they begin their journey towards the 2027 continental tournament.