Nigeria’s Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has expressed confidence that Nottingham Forest will secure Champions League qualification next season.
The two-time European champions came close to earning a place in the 2026-27 Champions League but missed out after being eliminated by eventual Europa League winners Aston Villa in the semifinals.
Aina endured a frustrating campaign disrupted by injuries, with the former Chelsea player absent from Forest’s Premier League squad during the first half of the season after suffering a serious hamstring injury while on international duty with the Super Eagles in a 2026 World Cup qualifier against South Africa.
After returning from his previous injury, the versatile fullback played a crucial role in Forest’s journey to the Europa League semifinals, but another injury occurred when he sustained a knee problem during the first-leg victory against Aston Villa.
Despite the disappointment, the versatile defender remains optimistic about Forest’s chances of competing at the highest level next season and has backed the team to break into the Premier League’s top four.
If we had the full team, Callum, Morgan, and Murillo couldn’t play (90 minutes); I would be standing here with my medal. It wasn’t in the plans; God said it wasn’t supposed to be,” Aina said on his podcast.
“We go again next season.” I am stating it here as well: next season, we will qualify for the Champions League. “We will be there, top four. If not, we will make our way somehow.”
The Chelsea academy graduate has been a key performer for both club and country in recent seasons, helping the Super Eagles reach the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and playing a significant role as Forest secured a seventh-place finish in the 2024-25 Premier League campaign.
Ola Aina has confirmed that he will be fully fit and available for the start of Nottingham Forest’s pre-season preparations.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
