Ola Aina is back to familiar terrain at Nottingham Forest after Super Eagles' new boss, Eric Chelle, switched him to left-back for Nigeria's shaky 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Ola Aina has slipped back into his preferred right-back role at Nottingham Forest with ease, where he’s been a mainstay this season, after his stint at left-back under Nigeria’s new head coach, Eric Chelle, during the Super Eagles’ inconsistent 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. The 28-year-old defender’s versatility has been tested across club and country, but his return to familiar ground at Forest, where he’s played just three times on the left, has reaffirmed his value to the Premier League side. PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Soccer News in Nigeria from Pulse Sports At Forest, Aina has been a near-constant presence on the right flank, logging 24 appearances in that position as part of their remarkable season. His contributions have been pivotal in recent successes, including their FA Cup quarter-final victory and a gritty league win over Manchester United. Against Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup, he played the full 120 minutes, posting a 72% pass accuracy, creating one chance, and delivering one key pass. In the victory against Manchester United, though limited to 39 minutes due to injury, he boasted an impressive 91% pass accuracy, showing his quality before exiting early. His three outings at left-back for Forest, while competent, pale in comparison to his dominance on the right, where he’s clearly most comfortable. For Nigeria, Chelle’s decision to shift Aina to left-back during the World Cup qualifiers marked a departure from his usual role. The tactical tweak came amid a shaky run for the Super Eagles, testing Aina’s adaptability. While he managed the switch, it’s at right-back, where he’s logged the vast majority of his 32 total appearances for Forest this season, that his strengths truly shine, blending defensive tenacity with attacking support. Aina’s preference for the right is no secret, and his performances there have been a cornerstone of Forest’s fairytale campaign. The contrast with Nigeria’s left-back experiment only highlights his effectiveness in his natural position, where he continues to prove his worth as a key cog in Forest’s ascent.