Nottingham Forest star explains England to Nigeria switch; credits Mikel, Victor Moses and Alex Iwobi

Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina cited former Chelsea stars John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses, as well as his childhood friend Alex Iwobi, as key influences in his decision to switch international allegiance from England to Nigeria.

The Chelsea academy graduate, who was born in London to Nigerian parents, was provisionally cap-tied to England before filing paperwork for a change of association.

Aina went on to make his senior debut in a 2018 World Cup qualifier against Zambia, coming off the bench to replace Elderson Echiejile with eleven minutes of regulation time remaining. 

Since making the switch, the versatile fullback has become a mainstay in Nigeria’s squad, featuring in 46 matches across major tournaments and qualifiers, and playing a crucial role in the team's defensive setup.

Aina admitted that the lack of international opportunities with the Young Lions for nearly two seasons prompted him to consider switching to Nigeria.

Before making his debut for the Super Eagles under former coach Gernot Rohr, he had not played internationally for nineteen months.

Speaking to Gary Lineker on The Rest is Football podcast, Ola Aina explained: "Family connection, that's my origin, so, I'll always say I'm Nigerian as well. 

"At the time when I knew they were interested, for me to play for Nigeria, it was sort of a no-brainer for me because I hadn't been playing international football for England for almost two seasons. For what reasons, I don't know why, but I hadn't played.

"When I found out there was interest, I just jumped at it because playing international football is still a big thing, doesn't matter who it is for. It's massive thing on the CV and it's Nigeria as well, massive nation.

"And my friend was there at the time, John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses was there, Alex Iwobi was there, so I just felt right."

Aina impressed for the Super Eagles at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where he saw his stock rise, with the Confederation of African Football naming him in the Team of the Tournament.

Despite his previous performances, he was underwhelming in the final against the Elephants and received criticism from fans after losing his duel with Simon Adingra.

Aina has admitted that playing for the Super Eagles has come with its challenges.

"Loads of things like when we didn't qualify for the last World cup, that was a massive challenge. Obviously the nation was deeply angry. I was seeing many comments from news outlets. That was difficult.

"Other stuff as well, sometimes not doing well in Afcon, it can be a bit challenging but it's the nature of the game really, so you got to deal with it.”

Aina shared his aspirations of representing Nigeria at the 2026 World Cup, describing it as a 'challenge in itself.'

"Another challenge in itself. But it would be amazing to go to the World Cup with Nigeria, create some memories there, create some memories there, hopefully get far in the competition. Fingers crossed."

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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