Super Eagles defender Ola Aina was the hero for Nottingham Forest in their hard-fought win against Southampton.
Super Eagles defender Ola Aina played an important role in Nottingham Forest's hard-fought 3-2 victory against Southampton, showing his defensive ability again and contributing to the team's impressive run in the Premier League.
Pulse Sports reports that this match witnessed another significant moment from Aina, who has been instrumental in Forest's unexpected push for European qualification.
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Aina's Heroic Performance
Aina's standout moment came with a crucial goal-line clearance that preserved Forest's lead in a tense second half.
After the team went into halftime with a comfortable 3-0 advantage, the game took a turn as Southampton fought back, scoring two goals through Jan Bednarek and Paul Onuachu.
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However, Aina's defensive heroics ensured that Forest maintained their lead, allowing them to secure all three points in the end.
Reflecting on the match, Aina shared his thoughts on social media, posting, “Our bom boms almost went, fak,” alongside a celebratory video on his Snapchat.
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He humorously added, “3+ doe,” indicating the relief and joy of securing the win despite the late pressure from Southampton.
With this victory, Forest extended their unbeaten streak to eight matches in the Premier League (W7 D1), their longest run since November 1995.
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The team has accumulated 44 points from their first 22 games, their second-highest tally at this stage of a top-flight season, trailing only behind the 1977-78 season.
Aina's Commitment to Team Goals
The 28-year-old further emphasised how hard work and determination are helping the Tricky Tees achieve their goals this season.
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"We are working hard every week,” he stated. “It is showing on the pitch and to be up there with some of the big boys is a credit to us."
His commitment to teamwork was evident as he added, "It is taking it step-by-step. Being humble and working hard for each other and making sure that we are doing the right things to win football matches."
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With aspirations for European competition on the horizon, Aina's contributions will be vital as they navigate through the remainder of the season.
Overall, Aina’s performance against Southampton highlighted his defensive skills and importance to Nottingham Forest’s ambitions this season.