Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has opened up about the pain of missing out on the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He called out former Nigerian coach Gernot Rohr for dropping him from the final team that went to Russia.
Rohr, who now manages Benin Republic, gave Aina his international debut in 2017. Back then, Aina came on as a late substitute in Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Zambia—a match that helped the team qualify for the World Cup.
However, even after being part of the journey to qualify, Aina didn’t make the final 23-man squad. Alongside Mikel Agu, he was dropped just before the tournament began. He had been competing for a left-back position with Elderson Echiejile and Bryan Idowu.
While speaking on the 90s Baby Show, Aina didn’t hide how frustrated he felt about being left out. His disappointment has stayed with him for years.
“I got shenked in 2018. That manager [Rohr] shenked me. I was supposed to go, but he did rubbish.”
The Nottingham Forest player also missed out on the 2022 World Cup after Nigeria failed to qualify. The Super Eagles lost their playoff match against Ghana, which ended their World Cup hopes.
“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.”
Now, with the 2026 World Cup coming up, Aina is determined not to miss it again. But Nigeria’s journey looks tough. After six games in the CAF qualifiers, the Super Eagles sit in fourth place in Group C with seven points. They are six points behind leaders South Africa.
Nigeria has four matches left, and they’ll need to win all of them to have a real chance at qualifying. The next step begins in September, when they host Rwanda in Uyo, followed by a trip to face South Africa.
In the first leg, Nigeria beat Rwanda 2-0 and drew 1-1 with South Africa. Now, Aina is hopeful and motivated.
“This 2026 World Cup, I need to be there. I think we can do it,” he said.
Nigerian fans will surely be watching closely to see if Aina’s dream—and the country’s—can come true this time.
