Ola Aina Returns as Super Eagles Begin AFCON 2027 Qualification Campaign
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The Super Eagles begin another continental qualification journey on Friday, and one familiar face is back in the squad.
Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has returned to the Nigerian national team after his absence from recent international action.
Nigeria will face Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo before travelling to meet Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
Aina’s return gives coach Éric Chelle another versatile option in defence. The Nottingham Forest player can operate on either side of the backline and brings previous major-tournament experience.
The defender was part of the Nigerian side that reached the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final in Côte d’Ivoire.
He has made 48 appearances for Nigeria since his international debut in 2017.
For Aina, however, Friday’s match is less about his personal return and more about starting the qualification campaign with maximum points.
Nigeria enters the fixtures with a mixture of established players and new faces.
Among them is 20-year-old George Ilenikhena, who has received his first senior invitation following his promising start at Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad.
The immediate assignment is straightforward: begin the qualification campaign strongly.
For supporters, the expectation will be that the Super Eagles translate their individual quality into a disciplined team performance.
Headlineswave.ng reports that
Nigeria faces Madagascar on September 25 before travelling to Guinea-Bissau four days later.
