Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina says he is happy for fellow Nigeria international Taiwo Awoniyi after the striker left the City Ground for newly promoted Coventry City during the summer transfer window.
Awoniyi’s move brought his time at Nottingham Forest to an end and means Aina no longer has his Nigerian team-mate alongside him at club level.
However, the Super Eagles defender says his priority is to continue enjoying his football and contributing to Forest, rather than focusing on the loss of a familiar face in the squad.
Speaking to Ratings, Aina said he had contacted Awoniyi personally after the transfer and made clear that he was pleased with the striker’s next move.
“Yeah, I’m alone now. I just want to keep playing and enjoying my football. That’s the main thing for me,” Aina said.
The defender acknowledged that Awoniyi’s departure has left him without his compatriot at Nottingham Forest, but his comments were primarily focused on maintaining his own positive approach.
Aina said the message he sent to Awoniyi was private and reflected the personal relationship between the two players.
“I messaged him personally that day. It was a personal note I sent to him. I was so happy for him. It’s between us, and I hope we can have a good season,” he added.
Awoniyi’s transfer to Coventry City represents a new chapter for the forward after his spell with Nottingham Forest. His departure also changes the club-football situation for Aina, who had shared a dressing room with the striker while both represented Forest.
Despite that change, Aina made it clear that his central objective remains football itself. The defender said he wants to keep playing, enjoy his performances and help Nottingham Forest, while also wishing Awoniyi well at Coventry City.
The two players remain linked through the Super Eagles, even though they will now be representing different clubs. Aina’s comments underline that the move has not affected the supportive relationship between the Nigeria internationals.
For Aina, the focus is therefore on the season ahead with Nottingham Forest. For Awoniyi, the move to Coventry City begins a fresh spell after his departure from the City Ground.
Aina’s reaction combines an acknowledgement of the personal impact of Awoniyi’s exit with a clear commitment to his own responsibilities. He described himself as being “alone now”, but stressed that his intention is to continue playing with enjoyment and to concentrate on helping his club.
Awoniyi’s next chapter at Coventry City and Aina’s continued efforts with Nottingham Forest will now take place separately, although the defender said he hoped both players could enjoy a successful season.