I MUST be there — Super Eagles star Ola Aina desperate to play at 2026 World Cup

Ola Aina has expressed his burning desire to compete at the 2026 World Cup, having missed Nigeria’s last two appearances.

The three-time African champions have not qualified since 2018, with their 2022 hopes dashed after a playoff loss to Ghana.

Eric Chelle's men are languishing in fourth place in Group C of the World Cup Qualifiers, six points behind leaders South Africa. Nigeria faces an uphill battle with only four matches remaining.

Aina, who will turn 29 in October, remains determined to seize what may be his final chance. Reflecting on past disappointments, he said, “I got shenked in 2018.

"That manager (Gernot Rohr) shenked me, I was supposed to go, but he did rubbish. Then obviously we didn’t qualify in 2022. So this 2026, I’m putting all my energy into it.

"I need to go because if not, I think my World Cup dream is over. I’ll be too old, and I’m not trying to get in other people’s place, and it’s in the US. I need to be there. There are five (four) games left and we need to win all.”

There is hope that the Super Eagles can qualify, but the chances are slim, especially as recent performances have inspired very little confidence.

Aina had an outstanding season with Nottingham Forest, performing brilliantly as they finished 7th in the Premier League, and only missing out on Champions League football on the final day.