2026 World Cup Qualifier: Super Eagles Suffer Huge Blow As Aina Ruled Out For 3 Months

2026 World Cup Qualifier: Super Eagles Suffer Huge Blow As Aina Ruled Out For 3 Months

Sampson Adedeji

Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered another major setback, with Super Eagles defender Ola Aina ruled out for three months, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Aina was forced off in the 10th minute of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying clash against South Africa on Tuesday after sustaining an injury.

Subsequent scans, carried out in conjunction with Nottingham Forest’s medical team, revealed that the versatile full-back will be sidelined until early December at the earliest.

The news is a heavy blow for head coach Eric Chelle, who is already dealing with injuries to several key players.

Aina has been one of the Super Eagles’ most consistent performers, featuring in every minute of Nottingham Forest’s Premier League campaign so far this season.

With Nigeria set to face Lesotho and Benin Republic in the final round of World Cup qualifiers in October, Aina’s absence will leave a huge gap in the team’s defence.

His ability to play on both flanks and contribute to attacks has been an integral part of the Eagles’ game plan.

The Super Eagles currently sit in a tight qualifying group, where every point counts in the race to secure a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

Eric Chelle and his coaching staff will now have to look for alternatives, with players like Bright Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi likely to be considered as replacements.

Despite the setback, team officials remain optimistic about sealing qualification.

However, they acknowledge that Aina’s absence will make the task significantly more challenging as Nigeria prepares for crucial fixtures in October.