Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has named his Super Eagles teammate Victor Osimhen, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak as the three toughest opponents he has faced.

Aina has been one of Forest's standout performers this season, featuring in every Premier League game before his recent injury against Manchester United.

The 28-year-old has registered two goals and one assist in 31 league appearances for the Tricky Trees, helping Nuno Espírito Santo’s side in their push for
European qualification.

In an exclusive chat with ESPN, the former Torino defender highlighted Osimhen, Ronaldo, and Isak as the most difficult opponents he has come up against.

“He [Cristiano Ronaldo] doesn’t do all the tricks and flair he used to when he was younger, but he still has the movement. He knows when to move and how to read the game. So, playing against him was difficult—just the fact that he’s Ronaldo,” Aina told ESPN.

Speaking on facing Isak in the Premier League, the Super Eagles full-back said:

“He [Isak] is a good forward. He’s got a bit of everything, you know. He’s not slow, he’s got technique, and he can shoot as well. He can find a pass. He’s up there.”

Finally, the Chelsea academy product added his Super Eagles teammate Osimhen to the list.

“He [Osimhen] doesn’t give you any time to breathe, and as a defender, if you have a striker that’s onto you and relentless, it becomes jarring.”

WDN