Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at Weng Global
Nottingham Forest and Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has set an ambitious personal target of scoring five goals during the 2026/27 season after failing to find the back of the net in the previous campaign.
The Nigerian international, who has become one of Forest’s most reliable defenders, believes adding goals to his game is the next step in his development as he prepares for another demanding Premier League season.
Aina, renowned for his pace, versatility and defensive discipline, admitted that while his primary responsibility remains protecting his team’s goal, contributing more in attack has become one of his major objectives for the new campaign.
Speaking ahead of the new season, the 29-year-old expressed confidence that with improved positioning and greater involvement in attacking situations, he can significantly increase his goal contributions.
Aiming Higher After Consistent Performances
Although Aina enjoyed another impressive season with Nottingham Forest, helping the club remain competitive in the Premier League, he ended the campaign without scoring.
Despite his defensive consistency, the Super Eagles star believes he has the ability to become a greater attacking threat.
“I want to score five goals this season,” Aina said, highlighting the personal challenge he has set for himself.
Modern full-backs are increasingly expected to contribute at both ends of the pitch, and Aina hopes to join the growing list of defenders capable of making decisive attacking contributions.
Important Player for Nottingham Forest
Since arriving at Nottingham Forest, Aina has established himself as one of the club’s most dependable performers.
His ability to play as a right-back, left-back or wing-back has made him an invaluable member of the squad.
His speed, tactical awareness and one-on-one defending have earned praise from supporters and football analysts alike.
Last season, Aina featured regularly in the Premier League, helping Forest secure valuable points through disciplined defensive displays.
While his defensive work remained impressive, the Nigerian believes he can offer even more by adding goals and assists to his overall contribution.
Building on Confidence
Aina’s confidence comes after several seasons of consistent performances in England.
Having previously represented Chelsea, Hull City, Torino and Fulham, the defender has accumulated significant experience at both club and international levels.
That experience, he believes, should now translate into greater effectiveness in the attacking third.
With Nottingham Forest expected to continue playing an energetic, fast-transition style of football, Aina could receive more opportunities to make overlapping runs into dangerous positions.
His technical ability and athleticism provide the tools needed to become a genuine attacking outlet.
Super Eagles Looking Ahead
The new season will also be significant for Nigeria’s national team.
Strong performances in the Premier League could further cement Aina’s place in the Super Eagles squad as Nigeria prepares for crucial international fixtures, including qualification campaigns and major tournaments.
Aina has become one of the most experienced members of the national team, bringing leadership and composure to Nigeria’s defence.
His improved attacking output at club level could also benefit the Super Eagles, who often rely on full-backs to provide width and create scoring opportunities.
Modern Full-Back Evolution
Football has evolved dramatically over the past decade, with defenders increasingly expected to influence matches in attack.
Players such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Achraf Hakimi, Alphonso Davies and Jeremie Frimpong have demonstrated how full-backs can become decisive offensive weapons.
Aina hopes to develop similar qualities while maintaining the defensive reliability that has defined his career.
Scoring five goals from a defensive position would represent the most productive attacking season of his professional career and underline his continued growth.
Forest Fans Will Watch Closely
Nottingham Forest supporters will be eager to see whether Aina can achieve his ambitious objective.
The club continues to build a competitive squad capable of challenging established Premier League teams, and additional goal contributions from defenders could prove invaluable across a long season.
Goals from full-backs often make the difference in tightly contested matches, and Aina’s determination reflects his desire to contribute beyond traditional defensive responsibilities.
Looking Forward to 2026/27
As preparations intensify for the new Premier League campaign, Aina enters the season with renewed motivation.
His personal goal of scoring five times reflects not only ambition but also confidence in his continued development as one of Nigeria’s leading footballers.
Whether through long-range efforts, headers from set pieces or late runs into the penalty area, the Super Eagles defender will be looking to celebrate his first goals in Nottingham Forest colours and help his club achieve another successful campaign.
If he succeeds, it could mark another important milestone in an already impressive career while reinforcing his reputation as one of Africa’s finest defenders playing in Europe’s elite leagues.
Sources
- Nottingham Forest
- Premier League
- BBC Sport
- Sky Sports
- ESPN
