Coach Jose Peseiro faces severe criticism as Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo discloses that Ola Aina played in the AFCON final with an injury.
Despite being a part of all the Super Eagles’ matches during the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Ivory Coast, Aina’s participation in the final against the host nation has raised questions due to his lackluster performance.
In a recent interview before Nottingham’s match against Aston Villa, Nuno disclosed, “We’re facing some challenges. Ola sustained an injury in the AFCON semi-final and played the final despite being injured. He made an effort, but his performance in the final was affected.”
On social media, numerous Nigerians have expressed disapproval of Peseiro’s decision to field an injured player in the crucial final.
@abayomi4sam wrote, “So, Ola Aina played that final with injury? No wonder his performance is below par.
“Jose Peseiro ought to have used an alternative i.e Osayi Samuel,” he added.
@Sports-Doctor2 added, “Now this explains that horrible match he had in the finals and this is the more reason I’m not happy with Jose Peseiro!!!
“He knew Ola Aina was injured, still played him and when he saw Adingra was getting the best of him, he still allowed him on the pitch for the whole match!!!”
“He was aware that Ola Aina was injured, yet he chose to play him, and even when it became evident that Adingra was overpowering him, he kept him on the pitch for the entire match!”
Although Aina had been one of the standout performers for the Nigerian team throughout the tournament, his last game will be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
The right-back struggled against Ivory Coast and Brighton’s star player Simon Adingra, who provided the assist for the winning goal scored by Sebastien Haller.
Despite his tough outing in the final, Aina was still recognized for his overall performance and was named in the Team of the Tournament alongside William Troost-Ekong and Ademola Lookman.
