'For those that don't know' - Iwobi explains why Ola Aina struggled against Adingra in Afcon final

More than nineteen months after Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations heartbreak in Abidjan, Alex Iwobi has defended his childhood friend Ola Aina, whose performance in the final drew criticism from fans and pundits alike.

 Prior to the decisive clash against hosts Ivory Coast on February 11, 2024, Aina had been one of the tournament's most consistent performers, playing a central role in a defence that recorded four consecutive clean sheets en route to the final.

However, the Nottingham Forest fullback struggled on the night against exciting winger Simon Adingra, who set up both goals as the Elephants overturned a deficit to defeat the Super Eagles 2-1. 

Adingra's pace, dribbling and relentless runs down the flank ultimately proved decisive in a battle Aina could not win.

Iwobi revealed that Aina's below-par showing was due to an injury he had been carrying into the contest.

"For those that don't know, I'm sure Ola has already put it out there in many different podcasts and interviews," Iwobi said on Episode 2 of The Bassey and Iwobi Show.

"He played with a grade 2c hamstring injury — I don't know how."

Iwobi also lauded William Troost-Ekong's inspirational displays, describing him as the standout performer of the tournament.

"Will also played like free sighted and he was the best player in the tournament. So many people scarified a lot for the Afcon."

Despite the disappointment of the final, Aina's performances across the competition were recognised by CAF, with the defender earning a place in the official Team of the Tournament.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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