Nottingham Forest is excited to announce that Ola Aina has signed a new contract, extending his stay at the club until the summer of 2028.

The Nigerian was instrumental in the team’s 24/25 season, starting in 35 out of 38 Premier League matches.

Having spent much of the previous season at left-back, but the flexible 28-year-old was deployed mainly on the right side of Forest’s formidable defense throughout the season.

During the 2024/25 season, his relentless defending ensured that he reclaimed possession in the defensive third more than any other player in Europe’s top five divisions. He also netted twice on the journey to Forest’s impressive seventh-place finish in the Premier League, including a stunning left-footed strike in the 3-0 victory against West Ham United at the City Ground.

Aina joined Forest in the summer of 2023 from Serie A side Torino, going on to make 59 appearances for the Reds across all competitions. With 100 matches played in the Italian top flight, Ola has plenty of experience at the highest level, needing just nine more games to reach a century in the Premier League.

The upcoming season might see Ola hitting another big milestone, as the Nigerian international is just four caps shy of hitting 50 for the Super Eagles.

After extending his contract, Aina shared: “I’m super excited and ready to keep this journey going with the Club. It’s always felt like home since I got here, and I’m really happy to be around. My main goal is to prepare well for the new season and get back to putting in the hard work.”

Owner Evangelos Marinakis said: “Ola has skill, talent, determination and a great character. He represents the culture and work ethic we expect from everyone involved with Forest. His influence since joining has been significant, and we’re looking forward to continuing this journey together to achieve great things.”

Chief Football Officer Ross Wilson pointed out: “Since Ola came to the Club, we’ve valued his impact and personality within the team. We all look forward to working with Ola Aina to continue that journey together to help us achieve incredible things. His contract extension follows that of his teammate Neco Williams and center-back Murillo, both of whom will stay at the club until 2029. In June, head coach Nuno Espírito Santo also extended his stay at the club by signing a new contract until 2028.

Aina, who was previously part of Chelsea’s academy, made six first-team appearances for the Blues before going on loan to Hull City and Torino. He made a permanent move to the Italian club in 2019 and has since played 113 times for the Serie A side. Plus, he spent the 2020–21 season on loan at Fulham.

Everyone how much he helps the team during games, and what he brings off the pitch to our club.

Ola represents what we hope for and believes in the Club’s future, and we’re really excited that he decided to stay with us longer.