Alex Iwobi has admitted that the absence of Ola Aina has been a significant blow to the Super Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, but stressed that EFL Championship right backs Bright Osayi-Samuel and Ryan Alebiosu have performed well in Morocco.

The Nottingham Forest defender was initially included in the Super Eagles' provisional squad for the ongoing tournament but was omitted from the final list due to fitness concerns.

Although Aina has since returned to full fitness, starting Nottingham Forest's last two Premier League fixtures, the Chelsea academy graduate had spent more than three months on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury in the opening minutes of Nigeria's 1–1 draw against South Africa in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.

Aina was one of Nigeria's standout performers at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and earned official recognition for his displays, with the Confederation of African Football naming him in the Team of the Tournament.

When asked whether the Super Eagles players have felt Ola Aina's absence, Iwobi said at Friday's pre-match press conference: "And in terms of Ola Aina, Ola is a big miss. He’s a big character on and off the pitch, and we know how much quality he has. But at the same time, our right-backs, Bright and Ryan, have done so well, so it’s almost like we haven’t missed him so much.

"Of course, Ola is a very good player, but at the same time, so is Bright, so is Ryan. We have quality right-backs and quality defenders, so that's the great thing about Nigeria. Even though one player is missing, we’ve got quality players in many different positions.

"Ola Aina is like one of my best friends in football. I do miss him as well. He has been messaging me and staying in touch. The main thing now is that he's back fit and playing for his club.

"He's also messaging us, saying he hopes we do well, so of course he’s missed, but he's still with us in spirit."

Iwobi has been one of the Super Eagles’ most influential players at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations,  showcasing his all-round quality and leadership in midfield.

While his talent has long been evident, his displays at the Afcon have silenced many critics and drawn widespread admiration from fans and pundits alike.