Ola Aina's dramatic return: Super Eagles star plays first game in 4 months days after Eric Chelle named AFCON 2025 squad

Four months of pain, one emotional night: Aina's victorious, yet bittersweet, return to the pitch.

Just 48 hours after being left out of Nigeria's AFCON 2025 squad, Ola Aina made a defiant return to competitive football, featuring for Nottingham Forest's academy side in what can only be described as a bittersweet comeback.

The Super Eagles defender, who hadn't played since Nigeria's ill-fated World Cup qualifier against South Africa four months ago, stepped onto the pitch on Friday night as Forest's academy maintained their impressive Premier League 2 campaign with a 2-1 victory over Millwall.

The timing could hardly have been more heartbreaking. Nigeria's head coach, Eric Chelle had just named his 28-man squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, introducing five new faces including a fresh right-back option. Aina's name was notably absent from the list.

Yet if the omission stung, the 29-year-old showed no signs of dwelling on disappointment. Playing for over an hour under the guidance of former Manchester United academy boss Warren Joyce, Aina looked sharp and determined, directly contributing to Forest's success on the night.

A Return Marked by Resilience

The match began with intent from the home side. Adam Berry fired Forest ahead after Danny Anisjko was brought down on the edge of the area, with Berry converting the resulting free-kick with precision and beauty.

Minutes later, Aina himself almost found the net. His effort was parried by the Millwall goalkeeper, but Berry was alert to the rebound, poking home from close range to complete a quick brace and double Forest's advantage.

For Aina, it was a moment of personal validation. After four months on the sidelines, he wasn't just back, he was involved, contributing, making things happen.

The injury that kept Aina out since that fateful match against South Africa back in September in Nigeria's disappointing 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign has been a long and difficult journey.

For a player who has been a reliable servant for both club and country, the extended absence represented not just physical rehabilitation but a test of mental fortitude.

His decision to feature for Forest's academy side rather than wait for first-team opportunities speaks volumes about his professionalism and desire to regain match fitness through competitive action, regardless of the level.

What's Next?

Aina was substituted in the 63rd minute by Joyce, a tactical decision likely made with one eye on managing his return carefully. After four months away from the game, easing back into regular football is crucial to avoid setbacks.

While his AFCON omission will undoubtedly hurt, Friday night showed that Aina is far from finished. His performance demonstrated the quality and experience that have made him a key figure for Forest and Nigeria over the years.

For now, the focus will be on building fitness, earning his way back into Sean Dyche's first-team plans at Nottingham Forest, and perhaps eventually reminding new Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle what he might be missing.

One thing is certain: after four months of pain and uncertainty, Ola Aina is back. And if Friday night was anything to go by, he's hungry to make up for lost time.