'Should have placed it' -  Aina reacts to that big chance he missed in Super Eagles win against Indomitable Lions 

Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has been one of the Super Eagles standout players at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations even though he has yet to register a goal or assist. 

In a round of 16 clash against the Indomitable Lions, Aina missed a glorious opportunity to double Nigeria's advantage in the 85th minute as his shot in the area was blocked by a Cameroon defender after the unselfish Ademola Lookman elected to pass instead of trying his luck.

Thankfully, the wing-back's miss did not prove costly as Lookman took matters into his own hands five minutes later when he slotted in a delivery from Calvin Bassey to ensure the game was out of the reach of the Indomitable Lions. 

On what crossed his mind when he missed that opportunity, Aina told reporters in the mixed zone, including Brila FM: "When I had that opportunity, he was coming first, I should have let him go like that and placed it but sometimes in the heat of the moment, decisions are made."

Aina was delighted to see his pal Ademola Lookman score his first goals at the Africa Cup of Nations and claimed that the Indomitable Lions were a tough nut to crack. 

"I feel very happy. I'm very excited about the win. I am so happy for the team, happy for Ademola because I know we've worked hard to get here and for this victory.

"They are a good side, they have some good players in their team. They did give us a hard job to do today but the team spirit is there and we managed to come through."

Aina is one of the first names on manager Jose Peseiro's teamsheet at the tournament in Ivory Coast having started every single played by the national team. 
 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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