Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has revealed that the light-hearted, playful atmosphere at Nottingham Forest has been a key factor in their incredible Premier League run this season.
Nottingham Forest have stunned fans and pundits alike, sitting third in the Premier League with 51 points after 28 games. The club has made headlines by defeating not only smaller teams but also some of the biggest clubs in the league.
Forest has claimed vital points against Liverpool, Tottenham, and Manchester United, and most recently, they stunned Manchester City with a 1-0 victory at the City Ground.
Aina has played a crucial role in Forest’s success, contributing significantly to the team’s defensive solidity. He played the full 90 minutes in the City win, putting in an excellent shift and keeping Manchester City’s Jeremie Doku at bay.
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After the match, Aina spoke with Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, who asked about how the team manages to stay focused and keep up their performances throughout the season.
Ferdinand, aware of the team’s social media activity where players share funny moments from their dressing room, was curious about how the team maintains its focus.
“We’ve just got to stay humble”
“Someone said that earlier in the season” 👀
Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ola Aina are staying focused as Nottingham Forest continue their fight for Champions League qualification 👊
🎙@LynseyHipgrave1 | 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/gjW4ckZHdq
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 8, 2025
Aina explained that the playful atmosphere within the team has been vital for keeping morale high, whether results go in their favor or not.
“A group like us, we need it. It keeps the positivity, whether we get the results or we don’t,” Aina said. “It helps maintain a positive mindset around the training ground and within the team. Myself and Callum Hudson-Odoi, we make sure it’s always high.”
This light-hearted spirit off the pitch, according to Aina, has played a pivotal role in Forest’s exceptional performances on it.
Aina soaking in the Premier League win over City.(Photo Credits Getty Images)
Aina says that he found it tough to defend against Doku on Saturday, claiming that he was constantly telling the winger to chill out on the pitch.
“We knew City were hot on our tails, and we needed to get a result here. Thankfully we did,” Aina said.
“You spoke about the battle with Doku in the reverse fixture, how did you see that battle today?” Aina was asked.
“It’s still tough, he’s very direct a tricky player. I kept telling him on the pitch that he needs to chill man. Yeah, he’s a tough opponent and he’s one I like to come up against and test myself,” Aina noted
The Super Eagles defender named Jeremy Doku named as his toughest opponent earlier this season, and, on Saturday, it was another great battle between these two.
