By Nurudeen Obalola
Ola Aina has been ruled out of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between the Super Eagles and Rwanda on Monday in Uyo.
The Nottingham Forest full-back lasted 82 minutes on Thursday against Benin Republic in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire as Nigeria sealed top spot in qualifying Group D with a 1-1 draw.
There were concerns Aina might have picked up a knock during the clash and he has now returned to England at the request of his English Premier League club.
According to Super Eagles media, Forest asked for Aina’s early release, pleading that he needed to be fully fit for their clash with Arsenal next weekend.
Since the Super Eagles have already secured their passage to the 2025 AFCON, the request was granted by head coach Austin Eguavoen.
Meanwhile, Ademola Lookman was also excused from Saturday’s training session after suffering a knock in Thursday’s fixture against Benin.
He is, however, expected to be fit and ready for Monday’s match.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali had earlier been excused from the team as he got a compassionate leave to attend to family matters in the aftermath of his father’s death on Friday.
With the Chippa United star out, Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is expected to return to the goalposts after a long absence.
