Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has expressed confidence that Nottingham Forest can secure a place in the UEFA Champions League next season following another dramatic summer of change at the City Ground.
The former European champions have once again reshuffled their coaching staff, with Oliver Glasner taking charge after the departure of Vitor Pereira. Despite the instability on the sidelines, Aina believes Forest are capable of finishing in the Premier League’s top four.
The club’s managerial journey over the past year has been eventful. After dismissing Nuno Espírito Santo in September, Nottingham Forest appointed Ange Postecoglou. However, the Australian’s spell lasted only six matches, producing two draws and four defeats before he was replaced.
Sean Dyche was then handed the job and guided Forest through a difficult period, recording 10 wins, five draws and 10 losses. Although his results helped steady the team, concerns over the club’s league position eventually led owner Evangelos Marinakis to make another managerial change.
Vitor Pereira arrived and oversaw an impressive turnaround. The Portuguese coach steered Forest away from relegation trouble while also guiding the club to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals, where they were eventually knocked out by Aston Villa.
According to football journalist Ben Jacobs, Nottingham Forest activated a clause allowing them to end Pereira’s contract before June 30, despite his deal running until 2027. Reports claim the club informed him of the decision via email just before midnight on June 30, shortly after he had finalised plans for the team’s pre-season tour in Portugal and friendly matches against Udinese and Barcelona in Udine.
Speaking after his dismissal, Pereira admitted he was surprised by the decision but remained grateful for his time at the club.
“I want to say a sincere thank you to everyone connected with this incredible football club. Although this decision came as a complete surprise to me and without any warning, I fully respect the club’s right to make the decisions it believes are best for its future.
“Naturally, I am disappointed and saddened. I truly believed in what we were building together, and I leave with a sense of pride in everything we achieved over the past months.
“Together, we enjoyed a memorable end to the season. We secured the club’s Premier League status, reached the semi-finals of the Europa League, and created moments that will stay with me forever.
“Most importantly, I saw a group of players grow in confidence, belief and togetherness.
“Watching them develop, fight for one another and represent this club with passion has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.”
While the club begins a new chapter under Glasner, Aina has already set ambitious targets for the coming campaign.
“We go again next season. Next season, I’m saying it here as well, we will qualify for the Champions League.
“Guaranteed, we will be there, top four. If not, we will make our way somehow.”
The Nigerian international’s confidence reflects the optimism surrounding Forest despite the managerial upheaval. With Glasner now leading the project and several key players expected to remain at the club, the Reds will be hoping to turn Aina’s prediction into reality and return to Europe’s elite competition for the first time in decades.
