Former England U19 skipper Ola Aina says he is delighted to play for the Super Eagles and his main ambition is to win a trophy with the national team after coming close to the Africa Cup of Nations title in February 2024.
Aina was among the players that interacted with Nigerian journalists on Wednesday afternoon during the Super Eagles parley with the media.
Born in London, the Nottingham Forest defender played for the Young Lions at U16s, U17s, U18s, U19s and U20s level before deciding to switch international allegiance to Nigeria, where his parents originally hail from.
Since making his debut in a World Cup qualifying match against Zambia in 2017, the Chelsea academy graduate has accumulated 42 caps, including eleven in Afcon qualifying.
Aina is one of the first names on Nigeria’s team sheet, having started ten competitive games on the bounce when named in the gameday squad.
He impressed for the Super Eagles at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where he saw his stock rise, with the Confederation of African Football naming him in the Team of the Tournament.
Despite earning caps for England at youth level, Aina has suggested that representing Nigeria has always been his dream.
Speaking to Dangolo, he said: “It’s a privilege to play for the Super Eagles. It’s a dream for a lot of Nigerians. To be selected is a privilege so I’m always happy.
“I want to win a trophy with the national team, whatever trophy, World Cup or Africa Cup of Nations. I think winning a trophy with the Super Eagles and with this team that we have now will be the best thing.”
Aina has earned rave reviews for his performances this season, especially in games against Liverpool and Chelsea.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
