Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has defined how former Chelsea stars John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses, and his childhood pal Alex Iwobi influenced his choice to change worldwide allegiance from England to Nigeria.
Aina, who was born in London to Nigerian mother and father, was initially tied to England at worldwide degree. Nevertheless, after submitting paperwork for a change of affiliation, he went on to make his senior debut for Nigeria in a 2018 World Cup qualifier in opposition to Zambia, approaching as an alternative choice to Elderson Echiejile with simply 11 minutes to play.
Since then, the versatile fullback has develop into a key participant for the Tremendous Eagles, that includes in 46 matches throughout main tournaments and qualifiers, and enjoying an necessary function in Nigeria’s defensive setup.
Aina admitted that the shortage of worldwide alternatives with the England Below-21s for practically two seasons made him critically contemplate switching to Nigeria.
He defined to Gary Lineker on The Relaxation is Soccer podcast: “It was about my household connection, my origins. I’ll at all times say I’m Nigerian as effectively. After I came upon that Nigeria was , it was a no brainer for me as a result of I hadn’t performed worldwide soccer for England for nearly two seasons. I don’t know why, however I hadn’t been referred to as up.
“After I heard concerning the curiosity from Nigeria, I simply jumped at it as a result of enjoying worldwide soccer is a giant factor, regardless of who it’s for. It’s a large factor in your CV, and Nigeria is a large nation.
“My buddies have been there on the time – John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi – so it simply felt proper.”
Aina’s performances for Nigeria on the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast earned him widespread reward, with the Confederation of African Soccer naming him within the Staff of the Match. Nevertheless, he confronted criticism after the ultimate in opposition to Ivory Coast, the place he misplaced his duel with Simon Adingra.
He acknowledged the challenges of enjoying for the Tremendous Eagles, admitting: “There have been many challenges, like once we didn’t qualify for the final World Cup. That was robust, particularly with the anger from the nation and all of the unfavorable feedback. It was troublesome.
“Different instances, once we didn’t do effectively in Afcon, it was difficult, however that’s a part of the sport. It’s important to take care of it.”
Wanting forward, Aina has set his sights on representing Nigeria on the 2026 World Cup, calling it one other large problem.
He added: “It could be superb to go to the World Cup with Nigeria, create recollections, and hopefully go far within the competitors. Fingers crossed.”
