Forest not rushing Aina’s return

Nottingham Forest coach Sean Dyche says Nigeria defender Ola Aina still needs more time to return to full fitness as the 2025 AFCON approaches, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Aina sustained a hamstring injury during Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September, putting his fitness for the tournament in doubt.

AFCON 2025 will be played from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco.

The defender had been missing in action for club and country since then. He has missed Nigeria’s last four matches and 14 games across all competitions for Forest.

After spending two months out, he resumed at the gym last week, but the manager doesn’t intend to rush the player.

“Ola Aina is not on the grass with us yet, he’s still going to take a bit of time,” the Nottingham Forest boss told reporters at the pre-match press conference of the club’s UEFA Europa League clash against Malmo.

The president of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, recently paid the player a visit as he began his full recovery.

The 29-year-old might be included in Nigeria’s provisional squad for the tournament, pending further updates on his readiness.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is expected to announce the provisional squad for the biennial AFCON tournament in the coming days.

Nigeria has been drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The Super Eagles begin their campaign on December 23, 2025, against Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Fès, while Tunisia face Uganda the same day at the Stade Annexe of Prince Moulay in Rabat.

The biggest game in the group comes on December 27, when Nigeria take on Tunisia in Fès, as Uganda and Tanzania square off in Rabat.

The final round of Group C matches will be played simultaneously on December 31, with Uganda facing Nigeria in Fès and Tunisia meeting Tanzania in Rabat.