Nigeria midfielder Alex Iwobi reveals hidden injury behind Ola Aina’s 2023 AFCON final struggles

Nigeria international Alex Iwobi has given reasons behind defender Ola Aina’s struggle during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final against Ivory Coast.

The Super Eagles fell short to the Elephants in the crucial final, held at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan last year.

Aina, who plies his trade for Nottingham Forest struggled throughout the match, failing to contain the pace and skill of Simon Adingra, who set up both Ivorian goals.

After a year and a half, Alex Iwobi has come to the defence of his longtime friend and teammate, Ola Aina, revealing a hidden injury that undermined his performance.

“For those that don’t know, I’m sure Ola has already spoken about it in podcasts and interviews. He played with a grade 2c hamstring injury – I don’t even know how he managed it.”

Iwobi admitted that Adingra’s pace and relentless runs made the difference on the night, but stressed that Aina’s fitness struggles should be considered before judging his performance too harshly.

The midfielder also praised Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, who inspired Nigeria throughout the tournament. “Will played like he had free sight and he was the best player in the competition. Many of us sacrificed a lot for the Afcon,” Iwobi added.

Despite the disappointment of the final, Aina’s strong performances earlier in the tournament did not go unnoticed. The 27-year-old was named in CAF’s official Team of the Tournament – proof of his role in Nigeria’s run to the final.