Ex-Chelsea defender does not regret Super Eagles choice as he aims the ‘biggest teams in the world’

The Super Eagles defender was a regular last season in Turin before he went to the African Cup of Nations reportedly against the will of his employers

Ola Aina has said he doesn’t regret his decision to choose Nigeria last winter despite affecting his chances at FC Torino.

Aina was one of the bright spots for the Super Eagles in Cameroon as Nigeria suffered a round of 16 exit in the hands of Tunisia.

His return to the Italian club didn’t go as desired as he had to take a place on the bench for most parts of the second half of the season.

The talented defender who can play on either side of the defence as a wing-back and full-back said his aim is to play football and represent some of the biggest teams in the world.

“My season was up and down. The first half from August before I left for the Afcon was okay, a few good performances and some things in those games I think were quite nice as well,” Aina said according to by BBC Sport Africa.

“And then after the Afcon things really slowed up for me. I wasn’t being selected in the starting XI and playing games wasn’t free-flowing as prior, but I have no regrets whatsoever,”

The defender also weighed in on the timing of the AFCON and said there’s nothing wrong with it as he drew parallels with Europe.

“I don’t think it’s difficult because if it was a tournament for the Europeans to go to, I don’t think it will be a problem for anyone to go to.

“The next World Cup [in Qatar] is happening during the season and everyone is stopping because it’s the World Cup – it’s an international tournament and there’s no problem with that.

“For me, I didn’t have any issue. I was looking forward to it (the Nations Cup) from the time we had qualified to go and play in that tournament.

“I think there should be a middle ground. Obviously, as players, we understand that while we are away the team have to adapt and other players may take their opportunities and that’s understandable and acceptable because we are not there.”

The former Chelsea player said his future will soon be sorted as he aims representing some of the best teams in the world.

“Nothing is really clearer, but hopefully in a few weeks I’d know exactly what I am working towards,” he added.

“Obviously a player wants to go to a place or team where they can play regularly. For me, that’s a must and I wouldn’t look anywhere if I am not trying to play regularly or if I can’t force myself to play regularly.

“For the future, I just want to be able to play at the highest level for the biggest clubs possible. That’s a dream and aspiration of mine, so hopefully, something happens