Super Eagles defender Ola Aina recently made a surprising revelation about his early football career — he was very close to signing for Chelsea’s London rivals Tottenham Hotspur before eventually joining Chelsea’s youth system. This candid admission sheds light on a major “what if” scenario in English football.
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Rising Through Chelsea’s Academy
Ola Aina joined Chelsea’s prestigious academy in 2013, where he developed into a versatile and technically gifted full-back. Known for his agility and defensive awareness, Aina climbed the youth ranks with promise. Despite making a few appearances for Chelsea’s senior team, the competition at the club made it tough to secure a regular spot.
Due to the depth of talent in the squad, Aina had limited opportunities and was loaned out to gain experience. He spent time at Hull City and later moved to Torino in Italy, where his performances earned him a permanent transfer in 2019.
Career Path and Premier League Return
After his stint in Italy, Aina returned to the Premier League with Fulham, impressing fans with his composure and discipline. In 2024, he signed for Nottingham Forest, where he has become an integral part of the team.
Aina’s presence in the Forest squad brought stability to their defense, and his ability to play both right and left-back made him one of the Premier League’s standout players in the 2024/25 season. His consistent displays even earned him a contract extension.
The Tottenham Hotspur Almost-Signing Incident
In a recent appearance on the 90s Baby Show, Ola Aina provided a fascinating story about how close he came to signing with Tottenham Hotspur during his formative years.
“I was at Spurs (Tottenham), training and training. Then, they told me that they were going to sign me on a particular day after the training,” Aina said.
“The time comes, we go into an office and my dad and I are told to sit. We sat there one hour, two hours, almost five hours. I was already complaining to my dad that I was hungry.”
“My dad told me to go into the office. But we just got fed up and left. They never said anything to us after that.”
This encounter paints a picture of what could have been a major shift in the defender’s career. Had Spurs sealed the deal, Aina might have developed under a completely different system, perhaps competing for a first-team spot in North London.
Life After Chelsea and National Team Growth
Aina’s time at Chelsea might not have delivered prolonged first-team action, but it paved the way for his growth. His moves abroad and back to the Premier League showcased resilience and adaptability.
With Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Aina has become a dependable defender, participating in Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaigns and World Cup qualifiers. His international presence further cements his value as a top-tier player.
What This Says About Youth Football Decisions
Ola Aina’s story is one among many that highlight the delicate nature of football decisions at youth level. From being left waiting in an office at Tottenham to becoming one of the Premier League’s top-performing defenders at Forest, his journey is a testament to persistence.
FAQs
Q1: Who is Ola Aina?
Aina is a Nigerian professional footballer and a defender for Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. He also plays for Nigeria’s national team.
Q2: What did Ola Aina say about Tottenham Hotspur?
He revealed he almost signed with Spurs as a youth player, but after waiting for hours during a scheduled meeting, he and his father left, and the deal was never finalized.
Q3: When did Ola Aina join Chelsea?
He joined Chelsea’s youth academy in 2013.
Q4: What other clubs has Ola Aina played for?
He’s had spells at Hull City, Torino, Fulham, and currently Nottingham Forest.
Q5: Has Ola Aina played for Nigeria?
Yes, he is a regular member of the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles.
Conclusion
Ola Aina’s revelation about nearly joining Tottenham Hotspur adds a layer of depth to his already compelling football journey. While he never got the chance to play for Spurs, his career path — from Chelsea’s academy to starring in the Premier League and representing Nigeria — showcases a story of missed opportunities turning into greater successes. His story is a reminder that in football, perseverance often matters more than early promise.
