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.

No fewer than 10 players have reported to the Super Eagles’ camp as preparations begin for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The Super Eagles’ camp officially opened on Sunday at the Renaissance Hotel, Cairo, with all coaches and backroom staff already in attendance ahead of the tournament. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was the first player to arrive, touching down shortly after 2 a.m. local time, signalling the start of full squad mobilisation. Uzoho was named as one of three goalkeepers in head coach Eric Chelle’s 28-man squad, marking his return to the national team setup after more than a year on the sidelines.

Stanley Nwabali followed as the second arrival, while Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro later arrived to raise the number in camp to four. Six more players, Amas Obasogie, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Igho Ogbu, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Tochukwu Nnadi, arrived later, bringing the total number in camp to 10. More players are expected to join in the coming hours as Nigeria intensifies preparations for the continental showpiece.

The three-time African champions are scheduled to hold their first training session later on Sunday. As part of their preparations, the Super Eagles will play a friendly match against the Pharaohs of Egypt on Tuesday at the Cairo International Stadium.

Nigeria will head into the 2025 AFCON looking to build on their runners-up finish at the last tournament, where they lost 2–1 to hosts Ivory Coast in the final. The Super Eagles are aiming for a fourth continental crown, having previously won the competition in 1980, 1994, and 2013. The 2025 AFCON kicks off in Morocco on December 21 and is expected to end on January 18, 2026.