Injured Super Eagles star clocked among fastest Premier League players

Despite spending a spell on the sidelines this season, Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has been recognised as one of the quickest players in the Premier League.

The Nottingham Forest full-back has quietly posted elite speed numbers, underlining the athletic quality he brings when fit.

Aina was sidelined earlier in the campaign after suffering a hamstring injury while on international duty for Nigeria in September, an issue that disrupted his run as a regular starter for Nottingham Forest under former coach Nuno Espírito Santo.

Before the setback, the versatile defender was a key figure in Forest’s system, valued for his strength in one-on-one duels, dribbling ability, technical quality and, most notably, his pace.

A recent report has now placed numbers on that pace. According to Transfer News Live, Aina recorded a top speed of 35.82 km/h, making him the seventh-fastest player in the Premier League this season.

Only Jackson Tchatchoua, Bryan Mbeumo, Dan James, Yankuba Minteh, Anthony Elanga and Jeremie Frimpong have posted higher speeds in the English top flight.

The statistic highlights just how important an asset Aina remains for Nottingham Forest despite his recent injury.

After a three-month layoff, the Chelsea Academy graduate is edging closer to a return, having spent the last few weeks back on the training pitch and featuring for Forest’s U21s in a Premier League Cup clash against Millwall.

His comeback is expected to strengthen Forest’s options at right-back, especially under a coach who places heavy emphasis on defensive structure.

Aina’s absence is also felt on the international stage. The defender was not included in Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, meaning Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle will miss his pace, experience and versatility when the tournament gets underway.