Ola Aina has said that Taiwo Awoniyi’s move to Coventry City has left him “alone” at Nottingham Forest, but the Super Eagles defender is more concerned with finding his feet under new manager Oliver Glasner and enjoying his football again after a difficult spell on the sidelines, Footynaija.com reports.
Awoniyi left Forest in August after four seasons at the City Ground, joining newly promoted Coventry in a move reported to be worth around £9 million. He had made 103 appearances for Forest, scoring 23 goals, and became a popular figure at the club after arriving from Union Berlin in 2022.
His departure also ended a period in which Aina and Awoniyi had shared the Forest dressing room as two of the club’s Nigerian players. Awoniyi had spent much of his final season struggling for a regular place, making 17 Premier League appearances and scoring four goals, but Forest still gave him a guard of honour before his final appearance against Brest in pre-season.
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For Aina, the new season has brought a different challenge. The 29-year-old missed a large part of last campaign after suffering a hamstring injury in September 2025, before returning in January.
Aina focused on Forest rebuild
Forest have made an uneven start under Glasner, losing to Leeds before drawing 2-2 at Liverpool and 0-0 against Tottenham. The Austrian is also introducing his preferred three-at-the-back system, with Aina operating as a wing-back after spending much of his Forest career in defensive roles.
Speaking to R.org, Aina was asked about Awoniyi’s departure and gave a simple answer.
“Yeah, I’m alone now,” he said.
“I just want to keep playing and enjoying my football. That’s the main thing for me,” Aina said.
“I’m also happy for Taiwo [Awoniyi]. He’s gone somewhere where he’s going to play more games.”
Aina also revealed that he sent Awoniyi a personal message after the move, making it clear that the friendship between the two Nigerians has not been affected by the transfer.
“I messaged him personally that day and it was a personal note I sent to him. I was so happy for him. It’s between us and I hope we can have a good season.”
Awoniyi has featured in all three of Coventry’s Premier League matches, while Aina has regained his place as Forest adjust to Glasner’s demands.
