'I said to him' – Nottingham Forest boss reveals message to Ola Aina after defender's surgery

Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou has offered words of encouragement to Ola Aina following the defender's recent surgery, assuring him that there will still be plenty of opportunities to make an impact later in the season.

Ola Aina underwent surgery at the weekend after suffering a hamstring injury during the opening minutes of the 2026 World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and South Africa.

Although Nottingham Forest have not officially disclosed his expected return date, the right-back's omission from their Premier League squad effectively confirms that he is set for at least three months on the sidelines, as widely speculated.

In what would be a major setback for the Super Eagles, he is also in a race against time to be fit for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

"I was looking forward to working with him. I watched him as an opponent last year and, particularly with the way I like my full-backs to play, he was a perfect fit for it," Postecoglou told BBC Radio Nottingham.

"I know he was excited by the season ahead, back in European football."

Reflecting on his conversation with Aina, Postecoglou added: "Sometimes when these things happen early in the year, I said to him that the best part of the season will be there for him so he can make a massive impact when it is most needed."

Postecoglou revealed that Aina's operation was a success and expressed confidence in the player making a full recovery. 

"His surgery went really well - that's the first thing ticked. Now he's got to work hard and rehab, which I'm sure he will, and he'll stay close to the group."

Ola Aina had made the right-back position his own at Nottingham Forest, starting 35 of the club's 38 Premier League matches last season and playing the full 90 minutes in each of their opening three fixtures of the new campaign.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com