Proud Father Who Convinced Aina To Represent Nigeria In Uyo To Watch Son Debut

Published: October 07, 2017

Olufemi Aina will be among the spectators when the Super Eagles trade tackles with Zambia in a crucial World Cup qualifier on Saturday evening.

Apart from being in the Akwa Ibom State capital to cheer the Super Eagles to their fourth victory in the World Cup qualifiers, Mr Aina has an important mission, which is to watch his beloved son, Ola Aina, make his international debut for the Super Eagles.

''We are expecting Ola Aina to get some minutes, like Abdullahi Shehu he is an utility player, can play left back or right back,'' a top source told allnigeriasoccer.com.

''His father landed in Nigeria this morning and is hoping to watch him play against Zambia.''

Olufemi Aina played a key role in convincing the Chelsea loanee to pledge allegiance to Nigeria ahead of England at senior international level, and brought the defender to the Crowne Plaza Hotel Ealing for talks with Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr in March.

In July 2016, Olufemi Aina made a prophecy which came to pass : ''He (Ola) is a man now, he can really make his own decision. For me as a dad, I have spoken to him and I have really advised him.

''I think he is getting there gradually, it won’t be a bad idea to play for Nigeria. I think in the years to come, I hope not very long, you will see Ola play for Nigeria.''

Ola Aina previously represented the Young Lions at U16, U17, U18, U19 and U20 level .

Ifeanyi Emmanuel