Nigeria’s Super Eagles’ star, Ola Aina displayed remarkable compassion this week, stepping up to support a young Nottingham Forest fan battling illness.
Eight-year-old Felix Keightley, diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma in October 2023, has bravely endured treatment while fundraising for worthy causes.
Keightley embarked on an ambitious 50-mile walk, tackling two miles daily to raise money for the Nottingham Hospitals Charity and Young Lives vs Cancer.
During a visit to City Ground as part of his fundraising efforts, Felix received a heartwarming surprise. Nigeria international, Ola Aina, recently named in the Africa Cup of Nations starting XI, joined him for the final lap around the pitch.
Aina’s act of kindness extended beyond the walk. He presented Felix with a signed Forest kit, offering further encouragement in the young fan’s fundraising journey.
The 27-year-old actively participates in charitable activities in both the United Kingdom and Nigeria, demonstrating his dedication to giving back.
Aina’s actions serve as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the power of compassion and the impact athletes can have beyond the game.
His magnanimity inspires not only Felix but also others facing challenges, encouraging them to persevere and find strength in community support.
Way back in 2016 long before becoming a senior appearance for Chelsea, he donated old boots to kid footballers in Africa.
Then at the age of 19, and hotly tipped to make the first-team after winning the U21 Premier League, FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League with the Blues, Aina’s sponsorship with adidas means he’s already been through more boots than we’ll see in a lifetime – and instead of throwing them away or storing them as mementos, he’s donating them to Nigeria.
“All my old boots, balls and kits being shipped off to the motherland (Lagos Nigeria) this morning to the less fortunate #giveback #2nddrop #nigeria”
Aina has settled nicely at Forest informing that he’s enjoying every bit of his time.
He said: “It’s been fun. I’ve enjoyed every bit of it so far. “The staff, the players, the city itself, it’s been really good to me so far and long may it continue. I was the first to arrive last summer and it was fun, I had Taiwo here who I know from Nigeria, I knew Morgan and Harry Toffolo too, so it was smooth sailing.”
Forest has not been finding things easy, though. He said: “The games have been tough, but I feel like for myself and the team, it’s good to see where we’re at. I feel like we haven’t done too bad against the bigger teams, it’s been a challenge but it’s been a good one. It shows the leaps and bounds the club have taken within just one season. It’s good to see we are competing and we do feel strong, so it’s good to have that feeling and hopefully we can have a strong season.
“I feel like we have to put a strong string of performances together, hopefully climb-up the table and ultimately play well to get the results we need. If we do that, we can have a good season. First and foremost, everyone’s key in the team and everyone’s got a role to play. There will be moments in the season where we’ll look to someone and we’ve got a few of them in our team, from Morgan, Callum, Anthony and Taiwo.
“Even in midfield we’ve got players who can make the difference, so it’s really good to have that. We’ve got several in the team so it gives us confidence heading into games.”
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
