“He’s defending well” – Former Super Eagles captain lauds Ola Aina amidst Nottingham Forest exploits

Former Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel Obi, has praised Nottingham Forest full-back, Ola Aina, for his consistent displays with Nottingham Forest this season, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 28-year-old has played every game for Nuno Espirito’s side in the English Premier League this season and has found the back of the net twice, showing his usefulness in attack. As a result, he’s been included in Troy Deeney’s BBC Team of the Week twice.

Nottingham Forest are currently second on the English Premier League table and have accrued more points in 19 games this term than they did for the entirety of last season.

Aina, who has been labelled by many as the best right-back in the English top flight this term, drew praise from his former teammate, John Obi Mikel.

“He has had a good season so far. One thing he has added to his game this season is that he’s defending well. He is putting in a lot of crosses now and, of course, chipping in a couple of goals as well, which is absolutely fantastic to see. Listen, we all knew he was a fantastic player at the club. He has gone to Forest and has been playing well since returning to the Premier League from Italy,” the former Super Eagles captain said on the Obi One Podcast.

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Aina, who currently has interest from Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City revealed in 2017, that Mikel Obi played a vital role in his decision to switch allegiance from England to don the Green and white colours of the Super Eagles.

“The one person that I would say has been an influence to me a little bit is John Obi Mikel. I was first talking to him three years ago about it [playing for Nigeria]. Two years on, it has finally happened. Anything that comes from Obi is respected and I was happy that he invited me to come and join the team. He is very respected. He is our skipper, he is our captain. Every respects him entirely as they should. He is loved throughout the camp,” as quoted from Sporting News.

Aina’s contract at the City Ground winds up in the summer, and with a new deal not yet in place with Nottingham Forest, the Cobham graduate is free to enter into pre-contract agreements with other clubs, starting today.