Ola Aina Earns BBC Premier League Team Of The Week Honour
2 min read
By Sedara Philip
Nottingham Forest defender and Nigeria international Ola Aina has been named in the BBC Premier League Team of the Week, following an outstanding performance in the club’s 2–0 away victory over Brentford.
The Team of the Week was selected by former Watford captain Troy Deeney, who praised Aina’s all-round display in Forest’s impressive win last weekend.
The versatile full-back was a key figure throughout the contest, producing a commanding performance that helped Forest secure all three points on the road.
Aina’s Nigerian teammate Taiwo Awoniyi also played a vital role in the victory, capping his fine outing by scoring Nottingham Forest’s second goal to seal the result.
Speaking on Aina’s inclusion, Deeney highlighted the defender’s composure and defensive awareness against a dangerous Brentford side known for their attacking play from wide areas.
“The Brentford team he faced are well known for getting crosses in from the wide areas. I thought he defended excellently at the far post in Forest’s 2–0 win, cleared everything. He was good at dealing with how people tried to run at him and offered a lot going forward, too,” Deeney said.
Other players named in the BBC Premier League Team of the Week include Emiliano Martínez and Ian Maatsen of Aston Villa, Marc Guéhi (Manchester City), Jorge Cuenca (Fulham), and Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa).
Also included were Ibrahim Sangaré and Igor Jesus of Nottingham Forest, Emiliano Buendía (Aston Villa), Patrick Dorgu (Manchester United), and Estevão Willian (Chelsea).
Aina was notably absent from Nigeria’s squad at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco due to injury. Despite his absence, the Super Eagles went on to secure the bronze medal, defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time.
The Team of the Week recognition further underlines Aina’s growing influence at Nottingham Forest and his importance as one of the club’s most consistent performers this season.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
