Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has admitted that football was his only realistic route to success, revealing that he had no backup plan if his career in the sport had failed, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nottingham Forest full-back made the candid confession during an appearance on the Calvin Bassey Talks podcast, where he was asked what alternative career he would have pursued if football had not worked out.
Aina, who grew up in London alongside fellow Super Eagles star Alex Iwobi, explained that unlike his close friends, academics never came naturally to him. The trio have known each other since their teenage years, with Aina and Iwobi attending the same school and representing England at youth level before later committing their international futures to Nigeria.
Ola Aina: why Iwobi, Aribo could have become doctors
Reflecting on his school days, Aina jokingly suggested that Iwobi and Aribo possessed the intelligence and academic ability to thrive in professional careers outside football.
“If I didn't play football, I was finished. In school, I tried but academics wasn't my thing. These my brothers (pointing to Alex Iwobi and Joe Aribo), they could really be doctors and the likes if they want. Don't lie, Alex. Alex the mathematician.”
Calvin Bassey immediately backed Aina's assessment of the Fulham midfielder, saying:
“I know Alex is smart.”
Aina doubled down on his praise for Iwobi's academic abilities.
“Alex was a mathematician. This man was book-smart. You feel me. As for me, I don't know, you know.”
Iwobi then reminded his international teammate that he had talents away from the classroom, saying:
“But you do art, man. I lie?”
However, Aina brushed off the suggestion and insisted football was always his only serious option.
“Yeah, but, I'm honest. So, with football, I had to. By force.”
Fortunately for all three players, football worked out remarkably well.
Iwobi developed into one of Nigeria's most experienced internationals, earning 100 caps for the Super Eagles after successful spells at Arsenal, Everton and Fulham.
Aina rose through Chelsea's academy before establishing himself in Serie A with Torino and later becoming a key figure for Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Aribo's journey took him from Charlton Athletic to Rangers, where he won the Scottish Premiership and scored in the UEFA Europa League final before moving to Southampton.
