Nigeria international defender Ola Aina says playing for the Super Eagles of Nigeria has in more ways than one had a huge impact in his career, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Aina represented England at different youth levels before switching to Nigeria in 2018., where he has gone on to pick 40 senior caps and have played in three major tournament. He is shaping up for the fourth which will be the 2025 AFCON in December.
Revisiting his decision, the 28 year old who is presently rated among the best right back in England this season, owing to his performances for Nottingham Forest says it’s a switch that has impacted his career positively.
“It means a lot. It’s a big honor to play for the Super Eagles. Every time I put the jersey or t-shirt on, it’s a great feeling — one that can’t really be matched. It’s really nice. I love playing for Nigeria, and hopefully, I can keep on playing for Nigeria for many more years”, he said in an interview with NBC Sports’ By Way of Africa series,
He reckons his move to Torino as the turning point of his career, which started with his stint at Chelsea where he progressed through the youth ranks and made sparse appearances for the senior team.
“Probably leaving England to play in Italy. I think that’s been the most pivotal for me because I was out of my comfort zone. I had to learn a different language and another way of life”, he concluded.
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