After being was axed from Nigeria’s travelling party to Russia for the 2018 World Cup, defender Ola Aina has spoken on his omission. The Chelsea youngster made the initial Super Eagles preliminary list but was among seven players who failed to nick a place in the final team, but claims he’s not bitter at being excluded by manager Gernot Rohr.
Aina was a victim of his major asset – his versatility. He can play in both wingback positions and so was in direct contention with Elderson Echiejile to back up the preferred Brian Idowu, but Coach Rohr went for Echiejile’s experience over Aina’s youthfulness. He was also contending for two right-back positions with Abdullahi Shehu and Tyronne Ebuehi but eventually lost out to the duo.
Born in October 1996, Ola Aina is still only 21 and so believes his time will come. Accordingly, he showed no bitterness as he took to his official Twitter handle to wish the team well in Russia, tweeting: ”May be next time.. I want to wish the boys all the very best out in Russia make our Nation proud.”
Aina has featured five times for the Super Eagles since he making his debut in November 2017 in a 4 – 2 victory over Group D rivals Argentina.