Peseiro face criticism as Nottingham reveal Aina played AFCON final with injury

Coach Jose Peseiro has come under heavy criticism as Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espírito Santo reveals Ola Aina played AFCON final with injury.

Aina was involved in all the Super Eagles’ games during the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Ivory Coast.

However, his involvement in the competition’s final against the host nation Ivory Coast, has come under scrutiny, giving his underwhelming performance.

In a recent interview ahead of Nottingham’s clash against Aston Villa, Nuno revealed; “We have some problems. Ola got injured in the (AFCON) semi-final and played the final with an injury, he tried but didn’t really play in the final.”

On social media, many Nigerians have frowned at the decision of Peseiro playing an injured player in the crucial final.

@abayomi4sam wrote, “So, Ola Aina played that final with injury? No wonder his performance is below par.

“Jose Peseiro ought to have used an alternative i.e Osayi Samuel,” he added.

@Sports-Doctor2 added, “Now this explains that horrible match he had in the finals and this is the more reason I’m not happy with Jose Peseiro!!!

“He knew Ola Aina was injured, still played him and when he saw Adingra was getting the best of him, he still allowed him on the pitch for the whole match!!!”

Although Aina was one of the standout performers for the Nigerian team during the tournament, his last game will be one to forget.

The right-back had a tough time against Ivory Coast and Brighton’s ace Simon Adingra, who provided the assist for the winner scored by Sebastien Haller.

Despite his poor outing in the final, Aina was named in the Team of the Tournament alongside William Troost-Ekong and Ademola Lookman.