After finding himself in and out of the Forest XI last term, he has since ousted Neco Williams as Nuno’s first-choice right-back. Ola Aina scored a ‘sensational’ goal against West Ham – only his second in Forest colours – during the 3-0 triumph in early November too.

Nottingham Forest manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, is confident Ola Aina will sign a contract extension at the club. Aina is into the final months of his contract with the Tricky Trees. Forest have reportedly opened talks with the Nigerian over an extension.

Football Insider has learned that Ola Aina is happy to stay at Nottingham Forest with talks ongoing over a new contract.

Per The Athletic, he is now nearing a new deal and a bumper pay rise with Forest. Aina is 28 and was set to be out of contract at the end of this season, which would have meant him leaving as a free agent. He could have even negotiated with other teams outside England in January, but will likely renew before then.

The point against Benin did just that for Nigeria, meaning Aina was always going to miss the clash with Rwanda today (Monday). Reds head coach Nuno Espirito Santo will hope the 28-year-old’s knock isn’t a serious one ahead of Saturday’s return to Premier League action away to Arsenal (3pm kick-off).

Nottingham Forest are in advanced discussions with full-back Ola Aina over a new contract. The 28-year-old Nigeria international's current deal runs out in the summer, meaning he will be free to negotiate with overseas clubs from January. (Athletic - subscription required)