Super Eagles star Ola Aina’s injury worries Nottingham Forest’s boss

• Ola Aina’s injury scare overshadowed Nottingham Forest’s 1-0 win over Manchester United, as the Nigerian defender was forced off in the first half.
• Aina’s exit led to a tactical reshuffle, with Forest adjusting to a back five to maintain their defensive structure.
• Notably, Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has confirmed Aina would undergo a scan to determine the extent of the injury.

Nottingham Forest's thrilling 1-0 victory over Manchester United was overshadowed by an injury scare for Nigerian defender Ola Aina, who was forced off in the first half at the City Ground. 

Manager Nuno Espirito Santo confirmed that the fullback would undergo a scan to determine the severity of the injury, raising concerns over his availability for upcoming fixtures.

Aina, who has been a consistent performer for Forest this season, was substituted in the 39th minute after appearing to suffer a calf-related issue. 

Speaking after the match, Espirito Santo admitted uncertainty about the extent of the injury, stating, 

“I cannot say a lot, it’s always a concern when a player gets injured by himself. We will give him a scan and then see how he looks. I am not quite sure what the precise problem is. The scan will tell us more,” he stated.

The defender’s exit forced a tactical reshuffle, with Forest adjusting to a back five. Aina was later spotted in the dressing room on social media, celebrating the victory with his teammates while a pair of crutches rested by his side, a sight that only deepened fears of fans over his condition.

The injury comes as a major setback for Forest, who will now have to assess their defensive options ahead of their upcoming Premier League clash against Aston Villa. 

Aina has been instrumental for the club this season, starting all 30 of their league matches, scoring twice, and providing one assist. His defensive contributions have also been vital, with the 28-year-old leading the league in goal-line clearances among outfield players.

A product of Chelsea’s esteemed academy, Aina’s performances have won him praise from both fans and pundits, making him a key figure in Espirito Santo’s setup.

Despite Aina’s early exit, Forest held firm to claim a historic win over Manchester United, courtesy of a fifth-minute goal from former Red Devil Anthony Elanga. 

The victory saw Nuno Espirito Santo become the first Nottingham Forest manager to complete a league double over Manchester United since the legendary Brian Clough.

Meanwhile, fellow Nigerian forward Taiwo Awoniyi also played a crucial role in the match, starting in place of the injured Chris Wood as Forest continued their battle for the Premier League top spot.

“I’m just happy I got one today,” Nigeria’s Aina elated after helping Forest beat Brentford

Previously, TheRadar reported that Nigerian defender Ola Aina shone once again as his early strike set Nottingham Forest on course for a stunning 2-0 victory over Brentford at the Brentford Community Stadium on Saturday, December 21. 

The win marked Forest’s third consecutive victory, pushing them momentarily to fourth place in the Premier League table, just two points below Arsenal.