Ola Aina Targets December Return After Successful Surgery

Ola Aina Targets December Return After Successful Surgery

Sampson Adedeji

Nigeria international and Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has successfully undergone surgery after sustaining an injury while on international duty with the Super Eagles, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Aina picked up the knock during Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana earlier this month.

He was forced off in the second half, and subsequent scans revealed damage that required surgical intervention.

The 27-year-old full-back is now on the road to recovery following a procedure described as successful by sources close to the player.

Nottingham Forest’s medical team is expected to supervise the latter stages of his rehabilitation once he returns to England.

According to reports, Aina is expected to be sidelined for several weeks but could be back in action by December if his recovery goes as planned.

The injury comes as a blow to both the Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest, where Aina has been a key figure since joining from Torino last year.

He featured prominently in Forest’s early-season fixtures and has been an important part of José Luis Mendilibar’s squad.

Aina, who has earned over 40 caps for Nigeria, will be hoping to regain full fitness ahead of a busy end-of-year schedule for both club and country, including the continuation of the World Cup qualifying campaign.