Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has been included in the FA Cup Team of the Round after an outstanding performance during Forest’s dramatic quarter-final victory over Brighton & Hove Albion. Aina played a crucial role throughout the entire match, helping his team secure a thrilling 4-3 win on penalties after a tough and competitive encounter.
The Super Eagles full-back was integral to Forest’s success, showcasing his defensive and offensive capabilities. He made five crucial clearances, recovered possession seven times, and won an impressive eight ground duels, proving his worth in both defending and regaining the ball for his side. His ability to read the game was evident as he contributed significantly to keeping Brighton’s attack at bay during the match.
Additionally, Aina demonstrated his skill going forward, completing the most dribbles in the match with five, which emphasized his all-around influence on the pitch. This offensive threat, paired with his defensive solidness, made him one of the standout players of the quarter-final, earning him a place in the prestigious Team of the Round.
In recognition of his stellar performance, Aina’s defensive partner, Nikola Milenkovic, was also named in the FA Cup Team of the Round, highlighting the strong defensive partnership that was crucial to Forest’s progression in the tournament.
Looking ahead, Nottingham Forest is now preparing for an exciting semi-final clash against Manchester City next month. With their remarkable FA Cup run continuing, they will be hoping to build on this momentum as they aim to reach the final and further cement their place in this prestigious competition.