Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has criticized former head coach Gernot Rohr for leaving him out of Nigeria’s final squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Rohr, now the head coach of the Benin Republic national team (Cheetahs), handed Aina his Super Eagles debut in 2017. The Nottingham Forest star came on as a substitute in the closing minutes of Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Zambia—a result that sealed the country’s qualification for the tournament.
Despite being part of the qualifying campaign, Aina, along with Mikel Agu, was dropped from the final 23-man squad just before the World Cup. He had been in contention for the left-back role alongside Elderson Echiejile and Bryan Idowu.
Speaking on the 90s Baby Show, Aina didn’t hold back his frustration:
“I got shenked in 2018. That manager [Rohr] shenked me. I was supposed to go, but he did rubbish.”
Aina also missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, with Nigeria failing to qualify after losing a playoff to the Black Stars of Ghana. Now, with Nigeria’s chances for the 2026 World Cup hanging in the balance, Aina is determined not to miss out again.
“This 2026, I’m putting all my energy into it. I need to go because if not, I think my World Cup dream is over. I’ll be too old, and I’m not trying to take anyone’s spot by then. Plus, it’s in the U.S.—I need to be there.”
After six matches in Group C of the CAF qualifiers, the Super Eagles sit fourth with seven points—six behind group leaders South Africa. With four games remaining, Nigeria must win all to stand a chance of qualifying for the tournament to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Aina remains hopeful:“This 2026 World Cup, I need to be there. I think we can do it.”
The Super Eagles will resume their qualification campaign in September when they host Rwanda in Uyo, before traveling to face South Africa. In the reverse fixtures, Nigeria defeated Rwanda 2-0 in Kigali and drew 1-1 with South Africa in Uyo.
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