PHOTO CREDIT: Photo used in original story by Punch Nigeria / Nottingham Forest FC
Aina Remains Positive As Nottingham Forest Endure Winless Start
Super Eagles full-back Ola Aina says he is still optimistic about the season ahead for Nottingham Forest despite their slow start to the 2025/26 campaign.

The 29-year-old, who joined Forest from Torino in 2023 and has now made 89 appearances for the club, has featured in all four of Forest’s games this season – three in the Premier League and one in the Carabao Cup, where they suffered a 2-0 second-round exit to Leeds United.

Forest have had a managerial shake-up again, with Oliver Glasner – who won three trophies with Crystal Palace in the last year – taking over from Vitor Pereira in the summer. It means Aina has now played under six different permanent managers in just over three years at the City Ground.

Despite the changes, Forest are yet to win after their first three league games. But Aina insists the team is still adapting and will improve.
“It is always good to start a new campaign, but obviously today we fell short. It was too difficult,” Aina told Ratings.

“It has been good. Everything is new, not perfect, but we are still working on making these things better. Hopefully, in the games to come, it gets better. Hopefully we do not fight for survival. Hopefully we are safe, and we are doing well in the league. I just want to play good football, do good things, and hopefully we can have a good season.”
Forest finished 16th last season after battling relegation, and Aina is keen to avoid another survival fight this term.

The defender also spoke about life after the departure of his compatriot Taiwo Awoniyi, who left Forest for Coventry City this summer after three seasons together.
“Yeah, I am alone now. I just want to keep playing and enjoying my football. That is the main thing for me,” Aina said.

“I messaged him personally that day, and it was a personal note I sent to him. I was so happy for him. It is between us, and I hope we can have a good season.”
Aina is expected to feature when Nottingham Forest travel to Villa Park to face Aston Villa in Saturday’s early kick-off as they chase their first win of the season.
SOURCE: Punch Nigeria