Ola Aina Reveals Big Ambition With Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has revealed an ambitious personal target for the 2026/27 season as he looks to take his game to another level and play an even more influential role for the Premier League club.
The Nigeria international has set his sights on scoring at least five goals this season, an ambitious objective for a player whose primary responsibilities are defensive. Aina’s target underlines his desire to contribute more significantly in the attacking third while continuing to establish himself as an important figure at the City Ground.
Aina has become one of Forest’s most dependable players since joining the club in 2023. His performances have earned him a strong reputation among supporters, while his versatility, athleticism and ability to operate on either side of the defence have made him a valuable member of the squad.
The 29-year-old’s attacking ambition is particularly interesting because he has increasingly been used in a role that gives him freedom to move forward. His pace and technical ability allow him to support attacks, deliver crosses and create opportunities, rather than simply concentrating on his defensive duties.
Aina’s five-goal target therefore represents more than simply a personal statistical ambition. It reflects his desire to become a complete modern full-back capable of influencing matches at both ends of the pitch.
The Nigerian has previously shown that he can produce decisive moments in front of goal. During his time at Forest, he scored an important goal against Aston Villa in November 2023, demonstrating the quality he possesses when given opportunities to attack. His ability to make forward runs has also provided Forest with an additional outlet in possession.
His ambitions come at an important moment for the club. Forest are beginning another new chapter under manager Oliver Glasner after a difficult 2025/26 campaign that saw the club finish 16th in the Premier League and go through significant managerial upheaval. The 2026/27 season is therefore expected to be about rebuilding stability and establishing a clear direction.
For Aina, the new campaign also provides an opportunity to reaffirm his importance within the team. Despite competition for places, he remains an experienced option capable of adapting to different tactical demands.
Forest supporters will hope that his attacking ambition can translate into consistent performances on the pitch. Five goals may appear a significant target for a defender, but Aina’s willingness to set such a challenge for himself demonstrates the confidence he has developed during his time at the club.
His commitment to Forest is also reflected in the long-term contract extension he signed in July 2025. The new agreement keeps him at the City Ground until 2028, giving both player and club the opportunity to continue their relationship over several seasons. Aina described extending his stay as a straightforward decision, signalling his belief in the direction of the club.
Forest enjoyed an impressive 2024/25 campaign, finishing with their highest Premier League points tally in 30 years and securing European football for the first time since the 1994/95 season. That success raised expectations around the club, although the following campaign proved considerably more difficult.
Under Glasner, Aina will now be expected to adapt to the manager’s tactical approach and help Forest regain some of the consistency that characterised their best performances in previous seasons.
The defender’s personal target could also provide an additional motivation throughout the campaign. Rather than being satisfied with simply defending effectively, Aina wants to make a greater impact in the final third and become a player capable of contributing goals as well as defensive security.
For Nigeria, Aina’s continued development at club level will also be welcomed. His experience in the Premier League makes him an important option for the Super Eagles, and regular performances for Forest could strengthen his position internationally.
Ultimately, Aina’s ambition is clear. He wants to improve, contribute more goals and help Nottingham Forest compete at a higher level. Whether he can reach the five-goal mark remains to be seen, but his willingness to challenge himself demonstrates the mindset of a player determined to keep progressing.
With a long-term contract in place and a new season providing another opportunity, Aina will now have the chance to turn his ambitious target into reality. If he succeeds, his goals could become an important part of Forest’s push for a stronger and more successful campaign.
Be the first to comment