Ola Aina is my mentor – Former Chelsea boy

Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has earned praises for his influence by former Chelsea winger Omari Hutchinson, Soccernet.ng reports.

Hutchinson joined Nottingham Forest from Ipswich Town after an impressive 2024-25 campaign. Although he enjoyed a stunning individual campaign, Ipswich’s relegation from the Premier League forced the club to cash in on the winger in a deal worth £37.5 million.

Despite arriving at the City Ground with high expectations, Hutchinson found life difficult during the early stages of his Forest career. He endured a slow start, struggling to break into the starting lineup and was left to settle for substitute appearances for the earlier parts of the campaign.

His slow adaptation was not helped by the instability at the club, with Forest going through several managerial changes. Nuno Espirito Santo was dismissed before spells under Ange Postecoglou and Sean Dyche, while Vitor Pereira was eventually appointed to steady the ship.

As the season progressed, Hutchinson gradually established himself as an important member of the squad and played a much bigger role as Forest finished 16th in the Premier League and reached the Europa League semi-finals, where they were eliminated 4-1 on aggregate by fellow English side Aston Villa.

Omari Hutchinson explains Ola Aina’s influence at Nottingham Forest

Since joining Nottingham Forest from Italian club Torino in 2023, Ola Aina has developed into one of the club’s most influential players both on and off the pitch.

The Super Eagles defender has made 85 appearances in all competitions for the Tricky Trees and remains a key figure in the dressing room. He…