Aina finds the net as Nottingham Forest go third in PL table with easy win against West Ham

Super Eagles fullback Ola Aina stole the spotlight by scoring his first goal of the season as Nottingham Forest secured a commanding 3-0 victory against West Ham at the City Ground to move to third in the Premier League table. 

This marks Aina's first league goal since his strike in a 2-0 win over Aston Villa on November 5, 2023.

Aina has been a crucial player for Forest this season, consistently featuring in all nine Premier League matches thus far.

The match began with in-form striker Chris Wood opening the scoring in the 27th minute, heading in a precise cross from Moreno right in front of the goal.

The lead was doubled in the 65th minute by former Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, who showcased his finesse with a stunning shot into the corner from the edge of the penalty area.

The goal was set up by Anderson, who delivered a clever pass from a free kick on the byline, allowing Hudson-Odoi to curl the ball beautifully into the opposite corner.

Aina then capped off the performance with an extraordinary strike in the 78th minute.

Positioned on the edge of the penalty area, he unleashed a powerful left-foot shot that soared into the top corner, sealing the emphatic win for Forest.

After his remarkable contribution, Aina was substituted in the 89th minute, making way for Eric da Silva Moreira.

Meanwhile, Taiwo Awoniyi also made a brief appearance, coming on for Chris Wood in the 79th minute.

Aina's impressive performance is undoubtedly good news for Super Eagles coach Austin Eguavoen, who will count on him in the upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda.

With Nigeria currently sitting on 10 points from four games, they are close to securing qualification for the tournament but will need positive results in both fixtures to confirm their spot.

Eguavoen will be hoping Aina can bring his club form to the national team, as they aim to avoid defeat in these crucial encounters.

Adeyemi Adewale

Photo Credit: nottinghamforest.co.uk

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