Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has revealed that he would love to play alongside two Premier League stars, Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka, in the Nigerian national team, citing their direct style of play as the perfect match for Nigeria’s attacking setup.

While both players currently feature for England, Aina believes they possess the attributes that would thrive in Nigeria's fast-paced, counter-attacking football philosophy.

Rashford, known for his pace and flair, is currently on loan at Aston Villa from Manchester United.

Despite a mixed season, he has managed 11 goals and 9 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions, per Transfermarkt.

On the other hand, Saka, a key figure at Arsenal, has always proudly embraced his Nigerian roots despite choosing to represent the country of his birth.

The 23-year-old Arsenal forward has visited Nigeria multiple times and has maintained strong cultural ties.

In a recent interview with ESPN UK, Aina was asked which English player he would love to see in the Super Eagles lineup.

Without hesitation, the Nottingham Forest defender said: “Saka or Rashford. Rashford has mad dynamics. Quick and direct, and we play direct in the Super Eagles, so I think Rashford would be a good addition.”

He sees Rashford as a slightly better fit for Nigeria than Saka, thanks to his dynamic and explosive style: “We play direct in the Super Eagles, and Rashford’s game is built on that kind of energy. He’d fit right in.”

Interestingly, Aina himself once wore England colours at youth level before committing his senior international future to Nigeria.

Since his Super Eagles debut in 2017, he has been an ever-present figure in the squad, earning 46 caps to date.

Ola Aina imagines Rashford and Saka playing for Nigeria’s Super Eagles. pic.twitter.com/jENNGulNtV

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