Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has set himself an ambitious personal challenge ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign, revealing that he wants to score at least five goals for Nottingham Forest after finishing last season without finding the back of the net.
The Nigerian international, who has become one of Forest’s most dependable players since joining the club, believes it is time to add more attacking contributions to his game as he prepares for another demanding season in England’s top flight.
Known for his versatility, pace and defensive discipline, Aina has established himself as a key figure under Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo. Whether deployed as a right back, left back or wing back, the 29 year old has consistently delivered solid performances, earning praise from supporters and football analysts alike.
Despite his impressive displays at both ends of the pitch, one statistic continues to frustrate the Nigerian defender. He failed to score a single goal throughout the previous campaign, something he is determined to change in the new season.
Speaking about his objectives, Aina admitted he has set a much higher standard for himself.
“I need at least five goals this season,” the Super Eagles star said confidently, stressing that improving his attacking output has become one of his biggest priorities.
While defenders are rarely judged by their goalscoring ability, modern football increasingly demands full backs who can contribute in the attacking third. Aina believes his pace, dribbling ability and willingness to join forward attacks give him the qualities needed to become more productive in front of goal.
His confidence is also rooted in his football upbringing. Before developing into a defender, Aina spent much of his youth career playing in advanced attacking positions, experiences that continue to influence his style of play today.
“I used to play as a winger when I was younger, so getting into attacking positions feels natural to me,” he explained, suggesting that scoring goals is an area of his game he wants to rediscover.
Aina enjoyed another consistent season with Nottingham Forest, helping the club remain competitive in one of the world’s toughest leagues. His ability to operate on either flank provided valuable tactical flexibility, while his defensive reliability made him one of the first names on the team sheet.
The defender’s performances also strengthened his importance within the Nigerian national team, where he continues to be a regular starter for the Super Eagles.
Forest supporters have embraced Aina because of his tireless work ethic and energetic displays. His overlapping runs, intelligent positioning and composure on the ball have made him one of the club’s most influential defenders.
Although assists have become a regular part of his game, the absence of goals has remained one of the few areas where improvement is possible.
The upcoming campaign presents an opportunity for Aina to change that narrative.
With Nottingham Forest aiming to build on last season’s progress and challenge for European qualification, contributions from every area of the squad will be essential. Goals from defenders often prove decisive during a long Premier League season, and Aina hopes to become one of those unexpected sources of attacking inspiration.
Pre season preparations have already begun at the City Ground, with players working hard to improve fitness levels ahead of another demanding fixture schedule. The coaching staff are expected to continue encouraging attacking full backs, a tactical system that could provide Aina with more opportunities to get into dangerous positions.
Football analysts believe Aina possesses the technical ability to achieve his target, although scoring five league goals would represent the most productive season of his professional career.
The defender’s determination reflects his desire to keep improving despite already establishing himself as one of Nigeria’s most consistent footballers abroad.
His ambition also mirrors the growing confidence within Nottingham Forest as the club continues to strengthen its squad and raise expectations among supporters.
For Nigerian fans, Aina’s development remains encouraging ahead of future international competitions. The Super Eagles will rely heavily on experienced players like him as they continue preparations for major tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and the next FIFA World Cup cycle.
Adding goals to his game would not only increase his value at club level but also provide Nigeria with another attacking weapon from defensive areas.
As the new Premier League season approaches, Aina’s five goal challenge has already become one of his personal storylines to watch.
Whether he achieves that ambitious target or not, his willingness to set high standards demonstrates the mentality that has made him one of Nigeria’s most respected footballers in Europe.
If he can combine his trademark defensive consistency with greater attacking efficiency, the 2026/27 season could become the most productive campaign of his career and further strengthen his reputation as one of the Premier League’s most complete full backs.
