By Kayode John
Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has said his birthday wishes are is for the team to win the next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco and qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Aina turned 28 in the Super Eagles camp on Tuesday as the team continued to prepare to face Libya at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday in the first leg of their double-header against the North Africans in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
A video posted on the Super Eagles’ X account on Wednesday showed the Nottingham Forest defender being celebrated during the team’s dinner on Tuesday, with his teammates expressing their wishes for him and then singing a birthday song.
“My wish for this year is to keep winning games, keep showcasing our talents and make it to AFCON, win the AFCON, go to the World Cup, showcase ourselves there as well and injury-free for everyone,” Aina said when called upon to make his wish.
The Chelsea academy graduate has become one of the key players in the senior national team since making his debut in 2017, and was one the best players at the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire as the Super Eagles reached the final
Aina, alongside William Troost-Ekong and Ademola Lookman, made the CAF Team of the Tournament.
Aina has been in good form for Nottingham Forest this season, and the Premier League club are reportedly preparing to offer him a fresh deal, to tie him down at the City Ground beyond next summer, when his current contract will expire.
The Super Eagles are top of Group D in the AFCON qualifiers after two matches with four points, but they have struggled in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
They have three points from four matches and are fifth out of the six teams in Group C.
