Ola Aina provided a key assist as Nottingham Forest advanced to the UEFA Europa League last 16 with a 4-2 aggregate win over Fenerbahçe SK, despite a 2-1 defeat in the second leg.
Forest started the second leg carrying a three-goal first-leg advantage. Lorenzo Lucca gave the hosts an early scare with a header in the 15th minute, but Fenerbahçe quickly struck first through Kerem Aktürkoğlu, who converted after Sidiki Cherif’s pass bypassed Neco Williams. Forest looked to respond through Elliot Anderson, but Fenerbahçe remained dangerous, with Aktürkoğlu setting up Cherif, whose shot was saved by Stefan Ortega.
After halftime, Aktürkoğlu added his second of the night with a penalty following a foul by Jair Cunha, bringing Fenerbahçe close to overturning the tie.
Forest regained control thanks to Ola Aina, who came on in the second half and delivered a well-placed cross into the box. Callum Hudson-Odoi finished calmly, slotting the ball into the bottom corner to restore Forest’s aggregate lead.
Forest had further chances as Hudson-Odoi tested the goalkeeper with a bending strike and Igor Jesus went one-on-one, but the team held on to see out the tie.
Aina’s statistics highlighted his impact: 50 touches, 30 passes with 28 accurate, four defensive contributions, and six ground duels won from eight. His assist proved decisive in securing Forest’s progression, setting up a last-16 clash against either Real Betis Balompié or FC Midtjylland.
While Forest did not replicate their first-leg dominance, the Super Eagles defender contribution helped ensure the team moves forward in Europe.
