Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has set himself a personal target as he looks forward to another season in the Premier League with Nottingham Forest, Footynaija.com reports.
Aina failed to register a goal or assist during the 25/26 season, making just 27 appearances across all competitions after suffering a serious hamstring injury while on international duty with Nigeria in September 2025.
That particular setback kept him out of action for several months before his eventual return early this year to reclaim his place at right-back.
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Now fully fit and back with Forest for pre-season under new head coach Oliver Glasner, the 29-year-old is determined to rediscover the attacking edge that has become a feature of his game.
Speaking during a live session on Twitch, Aina jokingly admitted he may need divine intervention to hit his target for the new campaign.
“I need to pray and fast because I didn’t score any goals last season,” light-heartedly said.
“The season before, I think I got three (goal involvements). I need to do some serious prayer and fasting because I need at least five. If I get five, I’ll be content.”
Aina’s ambitions are hardly without foundation. During the 24/25 campaign, Aina enjoyed arguably the finest season of his career, starting 35 Premier League matches as Nottingham Forest secured a seventh-place finish and qualified for European football.
He also contributed two goals and one assist, performances that earned him a new contract until 2028.
The injury not only disrupted his momentum at club level but also forced him to miss the Super Eagles’ impressive 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
With a full pre-season behind him and another demanding domestic campaign to look forward to, Aina will be hoping improved fitness can help him achieve his attacking target and reclaim his spot in the Super Eagles setup.
