Ola Aina ruled out until December as injury extent confirmed

• Super Eagles defender Ola Aina is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining an injury during Nigeria’s international break.

Ola Aina was forced off in the 10th minute of the Super Eagles’ 1-1 FIFA World Cup qualifying draw against South Africa on Tuesday, following a challenge from Samukelo Kabini in the early minutes into the encounter.

Initial fears suggested the injury might not be serious, but fresh reports have now confirmed otherwise. According to The Telegraph, Aina has suffered a hamstring injury and will be unavailable until at least December.

The news comes as a major setback for New Forest manager Ange Postecoglou, with Aina having been ever-present for the side this season. He also featured extensively under former boss Nuno Espirito Santo, racking up 3,242 minutes in the 2024/25 campaign.

In Aina’s absence, fellow Nigerian Taiwo Awoniyi could be recalled into the domestic squad, after initially being excluded from the Europa League roster.