Ola Aina says Nottingham Forest can reach the Champions League next season after narrowly missing out on European qualification in the previous campaign

Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina, a Nigeria international, on 3 July 2026 expressed strong belief that the club can secure UEFA Champions League qualification next season after narrowly missing out on European football in the campaign just concluded.

Also read: Okonkwo Dream Big as Nigeria Keeper Targets World Cup Glory

The 28-year-old full-back, who endured a disrupted season due to two separate injuries, said Forest have the quality and mentality required to break into the Premier League’s top four when the new campaign begins.

Forest’s recent season ended in disappointment after they fell short of a Champions League place, having been eliminated in the semifinals by eventual Europa League winners Aston Villa, despite a spirited campaign that had raised hopes of a breakthrough.

Aina’s season was heavily affected by fitness setbacks, including a serious hamstring injury sustained while on international duty with Nigeria during a World Cup qualifier against South Africa.

After returning to action, he later suffered a knee injury in the first-leg clash against Aston Villa, which ultimately ended his campaign early.

Reflecting on the team’s near-miss, Aina said injuries played a significant role in their failure to go further.

“If we had the full team, Callum, me, Morgan, Murillo couldn’t play 90 minutes, I would have been standing here with my medal,” Aina said. “It wasn’t in the plans, God said it wasn’t supposed to be.”

Despite the setback, he remains optimistic about the club’s future and issued a bold prediction for the upcoming season.

“We go again next season,” he added. “Next season, I’m saying it here as well, we will qualify for the Champions League. We will be there, top four. If not, we will make our way somehow.”

Aina, a former Chelsea academy graduate, has been an influential figure for both club and country in recent years, playing a key role in Nigeria’s run to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final and contributing significantly to Forest’s strong Premier League finish in the 2024/2025 season.

Also read: Okonkwo Dream Big as Nigeria Keeper Targets World Cup Glory

His return to full fitness ahead of pre-season will be seen as a major boost for Forest as they prepare for what could be a decisive campaign in their push for European qualification.