Ola Aina absence against Guinea-Bissau was linked to fitness concerns and pitch conditions, according to Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe

Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe has explained Ola Aina’s absence from Nigeria’s 3-0 defeat by Guinea-Bissau, saying fitness concerns and the poor condition of the Stade du 24 Septembre pitch influenced the decision to keep the Nottingham Forest defender on the bench.

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Ola Aina had returned to the Super Eagles squad earlier in September but did not feature in Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture, with Bright Osayi-Samuel starting at right-back.

The decision became a talking point after Guinea-Bissau produced a convincing 3-0 victory over Nigeria, leaving the Super Eagles to reflect on a difficult night in Bissau.

Efoghe said the Ola Aina absence was connected to concerns over the physical demands of playing on a surface that he considered similar to the pitch where the defender previously suffered a serious injury.

“They are very similar. You wonder why Ola Aina could not play the game yesterday; it is a physiological thing,” Efoghe told News Central TV.

“Remember, it was on a bad pitch against South Africa that Ola Aina picked up an injury that took him out of football for almost one year.”

Aina suffered that injury during Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against South Africa at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.

His previous experience therefore formed part of the thinking around his involvement against Guinea-Bissau, according to Efoghe.

The decision meant Osayi-Samuel was given the responsibility of operating at right-back, but the Birmingham City defender faced a demanding evening against a Guinea-Bissau side that carried a persistent threat down Nigeria’s defensive flank.

Guinea-Bissau captain Mama Baldé was particularly influential, using his pace and movement to put pressure on Nigeria’s defence.

The defeat was a painful setback for the Super Eagles, who entered the fixture as one of Africa’s established football powers but struggled to impose themselves against the Djurtus.

Nigeria’s performance also raised questions about squad selection and the management of players returning from injury or periods of limited fitness.

Efoghe’s explanation places the emphasis on player welfare rather than a disciplinary or tactical dispute surrounding Aina.

The media officer also used the issue to raise broader concerns about playing conditions in African football.

“We must discontinue these questionable practices in African football. If we want the sport to advance on the continent, we must conduct ourselves appropriately,” Efoghe said.

The comments reflect a recurring concern in African football, where the quality of playing surfaces can vary significantly from venue to venue, particularly during international fixtures.

For Nigeria, the immediate challenge is to recover from the heavy defeat and maintain focus on the next stage of their international programme.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to face Russia in an international friendly on 6 October, giving coach Eric Chelle and his players an opportunity to respond on the pitch.

Aina’s availability for that fixture will depend on his physical condition and the technical team’s assessment.

The Nottingham Forest defender remains an important option for Nigeria at right-back, particularly given his experience at international level and ability to operate in both defensive and wider roles.

For now, however, the Super Eagles have sought to clarify that his absence in Bissau was not simply a matter of being overlooked.

According to Efoghe, the combination of Aina’s fitness situation and the condition of the playing surface informed the decision.

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Nigeria will now hope for a stronger response against Russia as preparations continue for the remaining stages of the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.