Nigerian defender Ola Aina is confident that his Nottingham Forest side can secure a UEFA Champions League spot following their impressive run in the 2024/25 English Premier League. Forest currently sits third in the EPL with 54 points, five points ahead of Chelsea.
Aina has been instrumental in Forest’s success, featuring in all 29 games with two goals and one assist. His impressive performances have earned him recognition as the best ball-winner in defensive areas across Europe’s top five leagues.
Aina attributes Forest’s success to the team’s cohesion and coach Nuno Espirito Santo’s leadership. “The manager having his ideas from pre-season gave us enough time… The players have gelled on and off the pitch. There is a good cohesion,” he said.
Aina’s impressive stats, including three clearances off the line and 29 interceptions, have driven the club’s ambition. He is optimistic about Forest’s chances, saying, “Inshallah, as it is Ramadan! As a team, as a club, we have been working hard… Hopefully.”