'For sure' - Nottingham Forest coach reveals Aina is disappointed how things turned out in AFCON final

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has admitted that Ola Aina is obviously disappointed how things turned out in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final. 

Heading into Sunday's final at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara, the Super Eagles were the favorites but failed to clinch their fourth AFCON title after suffering an unexpected 2-1 defeat at the hands of the Elephants. 

Without doubt one of the standout players for the Super Eagles during the tournament in Ivory Coast, Aina was singled out for criticism after losing an individual battle with Player of the Match, Simon Adingra in the AFCON showpiece. 

The Chelsea academy product was one of the three Nigerian players named in the official Team of the Tournament on the back of his excellent displays en route to the final. 

Speaking to reporters at Thursday's pre-match press conference ahead of the visit of West Ham United, Nuno Espirito Santo said: "We mentioned before it was a final.  Ibrahim, Boly and Serge we have to congratulate them but same time Ola for sure is disappointed but for sure he will have another chance in the future."

Nuno Espirito Santo went on to reveal that Aina and Ivorian pair Ibrahim Sangaré and Willy Boly will not be available for selection against the Hammers, adding that he has not spoken yet to the Super Eagles wing-back, who was expected to return to Nottingham today.

In fourteen appearances in the Premier League this term, Aina has scored one goal and has one assist. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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