Super Eagles defender Ola Aina produced a strong defensive display as Nottingham Forest secured their first Premier League victory of the season with a 2–1 win over Aston Villa at Villa Park, Trybal News reports.
Aina was an important part of Forest’s defensive effort as Oliver Glasner’s side produced an impressive second-half performance to claim a deserved three points and extend their unbeaten run to three matches, following draws against Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.
The Nigerian defender finished the game with eight defensive contributions, including three tackles, while winning four of his six ground duels and his only attempted aerial duel.
He also recorded 52 touches and completed 35 of 39 passes, underlining his involvement both defensively and in Forest’s possession game.
Forest took control after the break when Liam Delap opened the scoring with a powerful finish, his first goal for the club. Aston Villa eventually levelled through substitute Alysson, but Forest regained the initiative late on, with Igor Jesus restoring the lead to secure a deserved away victory.
The result marked Forest’s first win at Villa Park since 1994 and gave Glasner his first Premier League victory as Forest manager.
Timely form for the Super Eagles
Aina’s growing form comes at an important time for Nigeria, with the Super Eagles preparing to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign later this month.
Nigeria will open their Group L campaign against Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.
The Nottingham Forest defender has not featured for the Super Eagles since September 9, 2025, when he started the World Cup qualifier against South Africa in Bloemfontein but was forced off with a hamstring injury after just eight minutes. The injury subsequently kept him out of action for several months and contributed to his absence from Nigeria’s AFCON squad.
With Aina now back playing regularly and producing performances such as Saturday’s display at Villa Park, his return to strong club form provides another positive option for Nigeria ahead of the AFCON qualifiers.
Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, move to five points for the season and will return to action on September 19 when they host Coventry City.
