Super Eagles defender Ola Aina is determined to enjoy a successful season with Nottingham Forest under new head coach Oliver Glasner, while admitting he hopes the club can avoid another battle against relegation, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The Nigerian right-back has established himself as an important figure at the City Ground since joining Forest from Italian side Torino in 2023, making 89 appearances across all competitions.
Aina has featured in all four of Forest’s matches this season, including three Premier League fixtures and their Carabao Cup encounter against Leeds United, which ended in a 2-0 defeat and subsequent elimination.
The new campaign has brought another managerial change for Aina, who has now worked under six different permanent managers during his time at the club.
Glasner is the latest coach to take charge after replacing Vitor Pereira, with the former Crystal Palace boss arriving at Forest following a highly successful spell with the London club.
Forest, however, have endured a difficult beginning to the Premier League campaign and remain without a win from their opening three league matches.
Despite the early setback, Aina remains optimistic that the squad can improve as the season progresses.
“It is always good to start a new campaign, but obviously today we fell short. It was too difficult,” Aina said, via 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 in the Premier League last season after a late improvement helped them stay clear of relegation, following another campaign characterised by changes in the dugout.
Aina has also had to adjust to life without fellow Nigerian Taiwo Awoniyi, who left Forest during the summer to join newly promoted Coventry City after spending three seasons at the club alongside his international teammate.
The defender revealed that he had personally reached out to Awoniyi following the striker’s departure and expressed his happiness for his former teammate.
“Yeah, I am alone now. I just want to keep playing and enjoying my football. That is the main thing for me,” the 29-year-old 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 be in contention for a starting role when Nottingham Forest travel to Villa Park to face Aston Villa in Saturday’s early Premier League fixture.
The Super Eagles defender will be hoping to help Forest secure their first league victory of the season and begin building momentum under Glasner.