AFCON 2025: Ola Aina Participation In Doubt As Forest Boss Provides Injury Update

AFCON 2025: Ola Aina Participation In Doubt As Forest Boss Provides Injury Update

Sampson Adedeji

Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina is facing a major fitness race to make the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, despite being named in the provisional 55-man squad, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The versatile full-back was included by coach Eric Chelle for the continental showpiece, but Forest manager Sean Dyche has cast serious doubt over his availability, revealing that Aina may not return to full action until January 2026.

Dyche, while providing an injury update on Tuesday evening, said the defender is still far from joining first-team training.

“It’s better news,” Dyche said of the injury situation.

“Not everyone is quite fit yet but a few are back on the grass training, which is a good start.

“The ones left not with us yet are Taiwo, Woody and Douglas although they are getting closer. Ola is getting closer to fitness but obviously can’t be with us until January.”

Aina has made only three Premier League appearances this season before suffering the setback.

The 29-year-old, a key figure for the Super Eagles, is now a major doubt for AFCON 2025, dealing a potential blow to Chelle’s defensive plans ahead of the tournament in Morocco.