Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has revealed the reasons behind his decision to switch international allegiance from England to Nigeria. Super Eagles of Nigeria defender Ola Aina was born in Southwark, London, to Nigerian parents, and was a mainstay in the England youth setup during his younger years.

The 29-year-old climbed the ranks from the U16s to the U20s, earning over 20 caps for the Young Lions. However, despite being called up to the U21s in 2015, the former Chelsea academy star ultimately chose a different path after training with the Super Eagles in London in March 2017.

Reflecting on that pivotal career move, Aina explained that his roots played the biggest role in his choice.

“Born and raised in London, I chose to play for Nigeria. It was simply a decision I made when I was around 20. That’s where my parents are from; that’s my heritage,” Aina told Nottingham Forest’s YouTube channel.

“The opportunity presented itself, and I believed it was the right one at that moment, so I embraced it wholeheartedly, and here I am today.”

also touched on the deep emotional connection his family has with his international career, noting how much it means to them to see him in the famous green-and-white jersey.

“My family is extremely proud of me, particularly when I wear the Super Eagles shirt.

“They cherish it even more than I do. For me, it’s a privilege; it’s an honor. It’s truly remarkable to play for them.”

Aina has since become a cornerstone of the national team.

African football’s governing body CAF, said Monday “appropriate action” would be taken against “those found guilty” after chaotic scenes marred the final of the Africa Cup of Nations. CAF did not attribute blame to either Senegal or Morocco. On Sunday’s final, most of the Senegalese players walked off in protest when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded hosts Morocco a penalty deep into time added on of normal time, with the match tied at 0-0.

A group of their fans fought with Moroccan security personnel at the other end of the stadium in Rabat. Once the players returned to the pitch, Senegal’s keeper Edouard Mendy saved the spot kick, and Senegal went on to win 1-0 in extra time.

“The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) condemns the unacceptable behaviour from some players and officials during the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat last night,” read their statement.

“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organizers.

“CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.”

The Senegal players eventually returned after former Liverpool star Sadio Mane, one of the few of his team to remain on the pitch, remonstrated with them to do so.

Morocco’s Brahim Diaz, who had originally won the penalty, then sent his spot kick into the arms of Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Senegal went on to win the final with a brilliant goal from Pape Gueye in extra time.

President Bola Tinubu has rewarded members of the Super Falcons with ₦150 million, three-bedroom apartments each, and national honours following their victory at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

The President hosted the players and the technical crew at the State House on Monday, days after the Falcons defeated hosts Morocco 3-2 in a dramatic final to clinch Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title.

While presenting the team with their rewards, Tinubu praised their resilience, courage, and determination, describing the victory as “historic” and “inspirational.”

“On behalf of the grateful nation, I hereby confer on the players and the 11-man technical team the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON),” the President said.

“I hereby allocate a three-bedroom apartment to each of the players and technical crew. In addition, there’s a cash award of the naira equivalent of $100,000 (₦150 million) to the 24 players and $50,000 (₦75 million) to the technical team member.”

The announcement was met with cheers and dancing, as members of the team jumped around the Villa, chanting, “Na our papa be this o.”

Tinubu also admitted he didn’t watch the final live due to nerves.

“I didn’t want to watch the match. I said I didn’t want to develop high blood pressure,” he joked.

Nigeria’s win in Rabat was a thrilling comeback, with goals from Uchenna Kanu, Asisat Oshoala and Jennifer Echegini sealing the victory after going two goals behind.

The win reinforces the Super Falcons’ dominance in African women’s football, with the team now holding 10 WAFCON titles, the most on the continent.