Super Eagles defender Ola Aina left the team’s camp ahead of their AFCON 2025 qualifier against Rwanda due to personal commitments. The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed his departure, emphasizing that it was mutually agreed upon and not related to injury or disciplinary issues.
Ola Aina withdrew from the Super Eagles before their final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Rwanda on Monday, due to a special request from his club.
Sources have informed OBASANJONEWS that Nuno Espírito Santo, the manager of Nottingham Forest, had a conversation with Augustine Eguavoen, Nigeria’s interim coach.
Santo urged Eguavoen to return Aina to the UK, particularly as the three-time African champions have already secured their qualification.
The Eagles have secured their position as Group D winners before their final game in the qualifying series, following a 1-1 draw with Benin Republic on Thursday.
As Forest prepares to travel to Arsenal after the international break, Santo has appealed for Aina’s early release.
With Aina unavailable, Fenerbahce defender Bright Osayi-Samuel is anticipated to take on the right-back position and start against Rwanda.
