Ola Aina Reflects on Frustrating Tottenham Experience that Changed His Career Path

A defender for the Super Eagles, Ola Aina, has shared that he nearly signed with Tottenham Hotspur when he was younger. 

However, on the day he was meant to finalize the deal, he and his father were left waiting for almost five hours, which ultimately frustrated them so much that they decided to leave.

The 28-year-old right-back from Nottingham Forest explained that the way Tottenham handled his potential signing discouraged him, prompting him to join Chelsea’s academy instead. During an appearance on the 90s baby show, Aina described the disheartening experience that could have significantly altered his career.

 “I was training with Spurs and then they told me I’d be signing on a certain day after practice,” Aina recounted.

“When the time came, my dad and I went into an office and were instructed to wait. We sat there for one hour, two hours—almost five. I complained to my dad about being hungry, and he suggested I go into the office. We ultimately grew tired of waiting and decided to leave. They never communicated anything to us afterward.”

After the disappointment with Tottenham, Aina joined Chelsea’s academy in 2013, where he advanced through the system but struggled to secure a spot in the senior team.

He went on to have loan spells at Hull City and Torino before Chelsea sold him to the Italian club in 2019.

Aina then moved between Torino and Fulham before finding a home at Nottingham Forest last year, where he has become a key player following strong performances last season, earning a nomination for the Premier League Team of The Season.

As Forest prepares for European competition next season, Aina will face new challenges. The team finished seventh in the Premier League and will compete in the UEFA Europa League after Crystal Palace, the FA Cup winners, were demoted to the Conference League due to UEFA’s multi-club ownership regulations.

Aina, who has yet to play in the Europa League, looks forward to this chance to prove himself on the European stage as Forest begins their venture into international football.