In an exclusive sit-down with Nottingham Forest‘s official YouTube channel, Nigerian international Ola Aina opened up about his journey with the club so far. From key victories to his personal growth and bonds with teammates, Aina offered fans a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into what has made this season memorable both on and off the pitch.
As the campaign draws closer to its end, the versatile defender remains a key figure in Forest’s backline and a strong presence in the dressing room.
Favourite Matches: Brighton & Man City Stand Tall
When asked about his favourite moments in a Forest shirt, Aina didn’t hesitate to highlight the club’s home victories against Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester City as standout memories. According to him, those wins symbolized everything the team had been working towards—discipline, resilience, and unity.
“The Brighton game was just fun. And the City win? Massive. The energy, the noise in the City Ground—you couldn’t not love that,” he said with a grin.
These matches were turning points in the season, not just in terms of points on the table but also in solidifying belief within the squad.
Standout Teammates: Elanga & Hudson-Odoi Praised
No footballer thrives alone—and Ola Aina made sure to acknowledge his standout teammates. He showered praise on Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi, calling them some of the most exciting and hardworking players he’s shared the pitch with this season.
“Elanga brings that raw pace and work ethic, while Callum just has that flair,” Aina said, emphasizing how their attacking energy complements the grit in defense.
He also spoke about the wider team dynamic and how much fun it’s been working under Nuno Espírito Santo, who he credits for instilling both accountability and creativity within the squad.
Personal Highlight: “I Was Knackered!”
Among the humorous moments in the interview, Aina’s candid reflection on his goal against West Ham had fans laughing. He admitted that the stunning strike came not from premeditated skill but from sheer fatigue and instinct.
“I was knackered, and I just thought, why not?” he joked, referencing the long-range effort that took fans (and himself) by surprise.
It’s these moments—raw, relatable, and spontaneous—that have helped Aina cement himself as a fan favorite at the City Ground.
Life in Nottingham: A New Chapter
Beyond the pitch, Aina spoke warmly about life in Nottingham. After stints in London, Italy, and other parts of Europe, the 27-year-old defender feels grounded in Forest’s project.
He noted how the supportive fans, close-knit squad, and family-like environment have helped him find both form and happiness.
“There’s something special about Forest. It’s the kind of club that wraps its arms around you,” he added.
Looking Ahead: Europe the Dream
As Nottingham Forest continues its fight to secure a solid top-half finish—or perhaps even flirt with European qualification—Aina remains ambitious.
He hinted that the squad has “more to give” and that the idea of playing European football with Forest would be nothing short of “amazing.”
Whether or not that dream materializes this season, the foundation for something promising is clearly in place.
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Final Word: A Leader Beyond the Line
The Ola Aina Nottingham Forest experience is about more than one player’s performance—it’s a story of leadership, humility, and joyful football. His impact has stretched beyond full-back duties, making him a figure of consistency, motivation, and camaraderie.
With fans rallying behind him and teammates relying on his experience, Aina looks set to play an even bigger role in the club’s plans for the future.
