We make sure of it — Ola Aina reveals secret to Nottingham Forest success after beating Man City

Super Eagles defender Ola Aina explained how his team have managed to maintain their unlikely top four charge after they beat Manchester City earlier in the day to strengthen their hold on third place. 

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Soccer News in Nigeria from Pulse Sports 

The Tricky Trees beat Pep Guardiola’s City at the City Ground to move four points clear of the Premier League champions. After the match, Aina, who was excellent defensively against City’s strikeforce, spoke with the media.

He was quizzed by Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, who asked for the secret ingredient to Forest's excellence, and Aina, who has shared similar sentiments before, maintains it is down to their relationships and chemistry established through a playful dressing room. 

“A group like us, we need it (the playful atmosphere); it keeps the positivity whether we get the results or we don’t, Aina said. “It keeps a positive mindset in and around the training ground and in the team. Him (Callum Hudson-Odoi), myself, we make sure that it’s always high.”

Meanwhile, the 28-year-old is one of those named in Eric Chelle's 39-man provisional squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. While the list will be trimmed to 23, Aina’s place is expected to be secure.