AFCON in doubt! Heartbreak for Eric Chelle as Super Eagles lose Ola Aina for three months

Super Eagles defender Ola Aina faces a major setback after being ruled out for three months due to a hamstring injury sustained during Nigeria’s recent World Cup qualifier against South Africa.

The injury, worsened by the poor condition of the Free State Toyota Stadium pitch, threatens Aina’s participation in the upcoming AFCON 2025 tournament.

Aina was forced off the field just 10 minutes into the match on Tuesday, and subsequent scans have confirmed he will likely be sidelined until early December at best.

This means he will miss crucial World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Lesotho scheduled for next month and the friendly against South American side Venezuela.

The former Chelsea and Torino full-back has been a vital player for both club and country, helping the club seal European football.

He has featured in every minute of the Premier League so far this season and was a key figure for Nottingham Forest under former manager Nuno Espírito Santo last campaign.

Due to the lengthy injury, Aina has been excluded from Forest’s Premier League squad submitted this Thursday.

Telegraph Sport reports that striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who was omitted from Forest’s Europa League squad, is set to be included in the domestic squad following Aina’s injury.

The timing of the injury places serious doubt over Ola Aina’s availability for AFCON 2025, a major blow for both Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles and his club as they navigate a demanding fixture schedule in the coming months.