Super Eagles' Efoghe Explains Aina's Bench Decision

Promise Efoghe, the Media Officer for the Super Eagles, explained that Ola Aina's absence from the starting lineup against Guinea-Bissau was influenced by psychological factors rather than physical issues. This decision came after Aina played 87 minutes in Nigeria's 2-1 victory over Madagascar.

Despite his previous performance, Aina was an unused substitute in the subsequent match against Guinea-Bissau, where Bright Osayi-Samuel took his position. Aina's last appearance prior to the Madagascar game was during a 1-1 draw against South Africa in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in September 2025, where he sustained a hamstring injury that required surgery, sidelining him from matches in Morocco and subsequent international windows.

Efoghe noted that the poor condition of the pitch at the September 24 Stadium in Bissau was a significant factor in the decision to bench Aina, as coach's considerations included the risk of injury recurrence on such a surface.