Aina’s absence felt as Nottm Forest fall short against Man City in FA Cup semi-final

Super Eagles defender Olaoluwa Aina was perhaps the most notable absentee for Nottingham Forest as they went into their FA Cup semi-final match against Manchester City on Sunday evening, Footynaija.com reports.

Unfortunately for Forest, Aina suffered a calf injury during a Premier League game against Manchester United on April 1, 2025. In his absence, the Tricky Trees have struggled defensively and this was once again the case at Wembley.

Nottingham Forest endured a frustrating afternoon as they were overwhelmed early on, conceding within two minutes to a sharp Lewis finish for City. They struggled to create chances and did not register a shot until the second half.

Despite starting the second half better, Forest suffered further setback when Gvardiol headed in a second from a corner. Morgan Gibbs-White came desperately close to pulling one back, hitting the crossbar and then ... after rounding Stefan Ortega.

Meanwhile, Aina’s compatriot Taiwo Awoniyi also struck the woodwork before Ortega once again denied Gibbs-White from point-blank range, as Forest’s late surge came to nothing and City advanced to a third consecutive FA Cup final.

Given how open the game was, Forest might’ve been able to capitalize on one of their numerous chances if they had the luxury of Aina’s talent down that right hand flank for Sunday’s game.

Having lost their only realistic chance at an opportunity for silverware this season, Forest will now turn their full attention to the Premier League where they remain in contention to secure Champions League qualification ahead of next season.

As for Aina, the Nigeria international will be looking to regain full fitness before the end of the season so that he can help his team successfully navigate the stiff competition for one of the five available UCL slots.