Playing at AFCON came at a cost but no regrets – Ola Aina

Super Eagles defender, Ola Aina claims he has no regrets about leaving Torino to travel to Cameroon earlier this year to represent Nigeria in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, he told BBC Africa.

Aina played frequently for Torino in the first half of the season, but after his return from the AFCON, he was limited to the bench.

During the second half of the season, the 25-year-old made just a few appearances for Torino.

“My season was up and down. The first half from August before I left for the Afcon was okay, a few good performances and some things in those games I think were quite nice as well,” Aina told BBC Sport Africa.”

And then after the Afcon things really slowed up for me.

“I wasn’t being selected in the starting XI and playing games wasn’t free flowing as prior, but I have no regrets whatsoever.”

When asked if he will play at Torino next season, he said;

“Nothing is really clearer, but hopefully in a few weeks I’d know exactly what I am working towards,”Aina added.

“Obviously a player wants to go to a place or team where they can play regularly. For me that’s a must and I wouldn’t look anywhere if I am not trying to play regularly or if I can’t force myself to play regularly.”

“For the future, I just want to be able to play at the highest level for the biggest clubs possible. That’s a dream and aspiration of mine, so hopefully something happens.”

“We’ll see what the future holds, and hopefully whatever team it is or whether I stay at Torino, they will understand that the African Cup of Nations and playing for my country is a big part of my career and life, so I will be hoping to continue to play for Nigeria without any problems.”