Ola Aina reveals big ambition with Nottingham Forest

Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has opened up about his ambition for the 2026-27 season with Nottingham Forest under head coach Oliver Glasner, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Chelsea academy graduate has been with the Tricky Trees since joining the club from Italian side Torino in 2023 and has developed into one of their most important players.

Aina has made 89 appearances for Nottingham Forest across all competitions and has also featured in all four of the club's games this season, with three in the Premier League and one Carabao Cup game.

However, Nottingham Forest were eliminated from the Carabao Cup after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Leeds United in the second round.

The Super Eagles defender has played under six different permanent managers in just over three years at the club, with Oliver Glasner becoming the latest coach after his appointment last summer to replace Vitor Pereira.

Ola Aina opens up on season goals with Nottingham Forest 

Despite the arrival of Glasner, who guided Crystal Palace to three trophies over the last year, Nottingham Forest have endured a difficult start to the new season. The Tricky Trees are yet to win a game after their opening three Premier League matches, but Aina believes the team can recover from their poor start.

Forest finished in 16th position last season after a late run helped them avoid relegation. They also went through several managers during the campaign, but Aina is hoping the team can enjoy a much better season this time around.

“It’s always good to start a new campaign, but obviously today we fell short. It was too difficult”, Aina said, via Ratings.

“It’s been good. Everything is new, not perfect, but we’re still working on making these things better. Hopefully, in the games to come, it gets better.

“Hopefully we don’t fight for survival. Hopefully we’re safe and we’re doing well in the league. I just want to play good football, do good things, and hopefully we can have a good season.”

On Taiwo Awoniyi’s departure

Ola Aina's Nottingham Forest and Super Eagles teammate, Taiwo Awoniyi, left the club to join Coventry City during the summer transfer window.

The two players had spent the last three seasons together at Forest, and this will be the first time Aina will play for the club without his Nigerian teammate.

However, the 29-year-old backed the former new Coventry City striker to enjoy a successful season at his new club.

“Yeah, I’m alone now. I just want to keep playing and enjoying my football. That’s the main thing for me”, the Super Eagles right-back added.

“I messaged him personally that day and it was a personal note I sent to him. I was so happy for him. It’s between us and I hope we can have a good season.”

Aina will now hope to help Nottingham Forest turn their poor start around as they continue working towards their ambition of enjoying a much better campaign.

The Super Eagles defender is in contention to start when the Tricky Trees travel to Villa Park to face Aston Villa in Saturday’s early Premier League kick-off, where they will be hoping to claim their first win of the season.