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Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina is relishing his return to the Super Eagles as Nigeria begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar on Friday.
Aina has been away from the national team since suffering an injury during Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against South Africa in September 2025. Now fully fit, the defender has returned to the squad and is eager to help Nigeria secure victory in their opening qualifier.
“It’s good to be back with the team and Nigeria,” Aina said, adding that the team’s motivation is to win the opening game and claim all three points.
The 29-year-old was part of Nigeria’s run to the 2023 AFCON final and has made 48 international appearances, providing four assists since his debut in 2017. His ability to play at both right- and left-back gives coach Eric Chelle an additional defensive option.
Nigeria will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Friday before travelling to Guinea-Bissau for their second Group L qualifier on September 29.
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