Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina has opened up about his decision to switch international allegiance from England to Nigeria, citing his family heritage as the driving force. The defender, born in Southwark to Nigerian parents, represented England at youth levels from U16 to U20 and was called up to the U21 squad in 2015. However, before earning a cap for the U21s, he accepted an invitation to train with the Super Eagles in London in March 2017 and ultimately chose to play for Nigeria.
Aina explained that the choice was made when he was around 20 years old, emphasizing that his parents’ origins and his cultural roots made the decision natural. ‘It’s where my parents are from; that’s my heritage,’ he said in an interview with Nottingham Forest’s YouTube channel. ‘The opportunity came, and I felt it was the right time, so I embraced it fully.’
Due to being provisionally tied to England, FIFA had to approve his switch before he could debut for Nigeria in a World Cup qualifier against Zambia in October 2017. Aina noted that his family takes immense pride in seeing him wear the Super Eagles jersey, often more than he does himself. ‘For me, it’s a privilege and an honor. Playing for them is truly remarkable,’ he added.
Aina was a key figure in Nigeria’s run to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, where his performances earned him a spot in the tournament’s official Team of the Tournament. He currently represents Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.