Ola Aina Laments 2018 World Cup Snub, Eyes 2026 Redemption

Ola Aina Laments 2018 World Cup Snub, Eyes 2026 Redemption

Sampson Adedeji

Nottingham Forest and Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has opened up about the disappointment of missing the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, despite playing a role in Nigeria's qualification campaign, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Aina, who featured in the qualifiers, was ultimately left out of the final squad by then-head coach Gernot Rohr.

Speaking during an interview on the @90sBabyShow, the versatile full-back expressed his lingering frustration over the decision.

 “I got shenked in 2018. That manager (Gernot Rohr) shook me. I was supposed to go, but he did rubbish,” Aina said bluntly.

Looking ahead, the former Chelsea man is now fully focused on helping Nigeria secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

 “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,” he added.

 “I’ll be too old, and I’m not trying to block anyone else’s chance. But it’s in the U.S. I need to be there.”

With four qualifying games remaining, Aina remains optimistic: “We need to win all. I believe we can do it.”