'Still feeling a little bit tired' - Aina reacts after outstanding display v CIV, looks ahead to Guinea-Bissau

Ola Aina was arguably the top performer for the Super Eagles in their 1-0 win against Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations but dd not get the credit he deserved as he was beaten to the official Man of the Match award by Victor Osimhen.

A two-footed player who is comfortable with both feet, Aina's versatility was on display as he helped initiate attacks from his right wing-back role and defended like a Trojan when the Super Eagles were without the ball. 

The former England U19 skipper was originally a winger with an eye for goal when he joined the Chelsea academy at U11 level, before he was moved to the right back position and can also be deployed as a wing-back and central defender in a back three.

Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone after Thursday evening's clash at Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara , Aina confessed that he was slightly fatigued after his first 90-minute shift at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
 

"It's just to work hard and I'm just happy the team got the win. It was a tough game, I'm still feeling a little bit tired but everything is worth it when you win," Aina said. 

The Super Eagles final group game is against Guinea-Bissau at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan on Monday, January 22, 1800 hours Nigerian time. 

Looking ahead to the clash, Aina said: "We are going there with the same mentality that we had today. We need to get the job done and hopefully we can get another big result there."

Guinea-Bissau are bottom of Group A having suffered two defeats in a row, against Ivory Coast and Equatorial Guinea. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: CAF

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