Ola Aina is a Nigerian footballer born in 1996, currently playing as a defender.
He plays for Premier League club Nottingham Forest and represents the Nigeria national team.
Aina attended The Campion School, where he played both rugby union and football.
Biography
Early Life
Temitayo Olufisayo Olaoluwa "Ola" Aina was born in 1996 in England. He attended The Campion School, where he showcased his athletic talents by playing both rugby union and football. His early passion for football led him to join Chelsea F.C. as an under-11, marking the beginning of a promising career in the sport.
Career
Aina's professional journey began with Chelsea, where he made his youth team debut during the 2012–13 season. He quickly progressed through the ranks, participating in the FA Youth Cup and representing the club at various youth levels. His first-team debut came in July 2014 during a pre-season friendly against AFC Wimbledon. Despite his potential, Aina faced challenges in securing a regular spot in the first team, leading him to sign a new four-year contract in July 2016 to remain with Chelsea.
In search of more playing time, Aina transitioned to several clubs, including Hull City A.F.C., Torino FC, and Nottingham Forest F.C., where he currently plays as a full-back or wing-back. His international career is equally notable; after representing England at various youth levels, Aina pledged his allegiance to Nigeria in 2017. He has since played a significant role in the Nigerian national team, including participation in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and being shortlisted for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
Legacy
Ola Aina's journey from youth football to the international stage exemplifies his dedication and adaptability in the sport. His ability to switch national allegiances and contribute to Nigeria's footballing success highlights his commitment to his heritage and the sport he loves.
Collected from open sources (3) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Gallery
Career & Clubs
Club
As of match played 29 August 2026
International
As of match played 9 September 2025
Chelsea
Early career
Ola Aina signed for Chelsea as an under-11 and made his youth team debut as a schoolboy in the 2012–13 season and went on to start in both legs of the semi-final and final of the FA Youth Cup. In his youth career, he has also represented Chelsea in the under-18s, under-19s, and under-21 levels. On 19 July 2014, Aina made his first-team debut in a pre-season friendly against AFC Wimbledon, after Todd Kane's injury. Aina started the match and was substituted at half-time for Branislav Ivanović as Chelsea went on to win 3–2. Before the 2015–16 season, he was included in the pre-season tour, playing three matches in the International Champions Cup. After impressing Chelsea manager José Mourinho, Aina was included in the first-team squad for the campaign. Although he spent the entire season training full-time with the first-team, he continued his role in the under-21s and under-19s sides. On 23 September 2015, Aina was included in the match-day squad against Walsall in the fourth round of the League Cup, although he was an unused substitute. Due to a lack of first-team opportunities, Aina refused a new contract despite his current contract ending at the end of the season.
2016–17 season
On 6 July 2016, he signed a new four-year contract, ending the rumours of him leaving the London side. After signing a new contract, Aina was included in the travelling squad to Austria and the United States. He went on to play in all six…
England youth teams
Aina has represented England at under-16, under-17, under-18, under-19 and England under-20 levels.
Nigeria
On 28 March 2017, Aina was pictured alongside Chuba Akpom of Arsenal after discussions with Nigeria Football Federation president, Amaju Pinnick. In May 2017, Aina pledged his international future to Nigeria and obtained a Nigerian passport in preparation to making the switch from England to Nigeria. In the same month, he was called up for the first time to play for Nigeria. In May 2018 he was named in Nigeria's preliminary 30-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. However, he did not make the final 23. He was later recalled into the squad and played a major role in the team's qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations held in Egypt. He played the first match against tournament debutant Burundi, assisting the only goal of the match. On 25 December 2021, he was shortlisted for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations by Caretaker manager Eguavoen as part of the 28-man Nigeria squad.
- Club
- Chelsea F.C.
- Club
- Nigeria men's national football team
- Club
- Torino FC
- Club
- Nottingham Forest F.C.
- Club
- Hull City A.F.C.
- League
- Premier League
- League
- Serie A
- National team
- England
- National team
- Nigeria
Personal
Aina attended The Campion School where he played rugby union as well as football.
Clubs
- Chelsea F.C.current
- Hull City A.F.C.current
- Nigeria men's national football teamcurrent
- Nottingham Forest F.C.current
- Torino FCcurrent
Played together with
Aaron AnselminoChelsea F.C. · 2024
Aaron RamseyNottingham Forest F.C. · 2010–2011
Abdoulaye FayeHull City A.F.C. · 2012–2014- Abdoulaye FayeHull City A.F.C. · 2012–2014
Abdülkadir ÖmürHull City A.F.C. · 2024
Abedi PeleTorino FC · 1994–1996
Abel HernándezHull City A.F.C. · 2014–2018
Adama DiomandeHull City A.F.C. · 2015
Adem LjajićTorino FC · 2016–2019
Adlène GuediouraNottingham Forest F.C. · 2012–2013- Adlène GuediouraNottingham Forest F.C. · 2012–2012
- Adlène GuediouraNottingham Forest F.C. · 2018–2019
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Temitayo Olufisayo Olaoluwa "Ola" Aina is a professional footballer who plays as a full-back or wing-back for Premier League club Nottingham Forest. Born in England, he represents the Nigeria national team.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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