Aina wins Forest best player award

Nigerian defender, Ola Aina, has been voted as Nottingham Forest’s Player of The Month for September, the club announced on Tuesday.

According to the club, Aina received 40 per cent of the total votes cast by fans.

He succeeds compatriot, Taiwo Awoniyi, who won the award in August.

In the month under review, Aina featured three times for the Tricky Trees when they beat Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge followed by a 1-1 draw at the City Ground against Burnley and a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City.

The 26-year-old has made a positive impression since joining Forest on a free transfer following his departure from Torino, featuring five times in the current Premier League campaign.

Capable of playing on either flank, the versatile full-back has operated on both the left and right side of defence so far this season, producing a string of solid displays.

In a recent interview with the club’s website, Aina said he was enjoying life at the City Ground.

“It’s been fun. I’ve enjoyed every bit of it so far. The staff, the players, the city itself, it’s been really good to me so far and long may it continue.

“I was the first to arrive this summer and it was fun, I had Taiwo and Emmanuel Dennis here, who I know from Nigeria, I knew Morgan and Harry Toffolo too, so it was smooth sailing.”

Aina was left out of their last game against Brentford on Sunday but will hope to return for their trip to Crystal Palace Saturday.

Nottingham Forest, with seven points, sit 12th on the EPL table with eight points from seven games.