AFCON 2025
Super Eagles first-choice right full back, Ola Aina has revealed why he decided to play for the Super Eagles of Nigeria over England’s Three Lions.
Ola Aina said he made the decision when he was 20 years old and believed it was the right decision given his parents heritage.
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.
“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.”
Born and raised in London, Aina was one of the few players of Nigerian descent that the former President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick spoke with to switch allegiance in 2017.
Ola Aina made his debut for the Super Eagles against Burundi at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations where he provided a sumptuous assist to Odion Ighalo.
The 29-year-old defender has been a regular for the Super Eagles since them with 48 appearances across qualifiers, friendly matches and three Africa Cup of Nations.
