Ola Aina’s poor performance in the AFCON final explained by Nottingham manager: “It’s bad for us

Nuno Espirito Santos, manager of Nottingham Forest, has confirmed that Ola Aina, a defender for the Super Eagles, played through an injury in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final against Cote d’Ivoire.

Espirito Santos claims that Aina hurt herself while playing for Portugal in the semi-final victory over South Africa.

Before Nigeria’s Kelechi Iheanacho won the penalty shootout against Bafana Bafana, the fullback missed a penalty.

After the Eagles’ 2-1 final loss to the Ivorians, fans and commentators singled out Aina and other players.

Although Ola was hurt in the semi-final and played through the final with an injury, Espirito Santo stated before Nottingham’s match against Aston Villa that Ola “tried but didn’t really play” in the final.

Same with Ibrahim; he’s been having trouble ever since he was in attendance at the AFCON.

Unfortunately, Ola, Willy, and Ibrahim will not be able to play in this match. The return date is unknown, according to Espirito Santo.