Aina snubbed as Forest RB misses PL Goal of the Month shortlist

Ola Aina’s brilliant goal in Nottingham Forest’s 3-0 victory over West Ham United has surprisingly been omitted from the Premier League’s November Goal of the Month shortlist. The Super Eagles defender scored a thunderous strike from outside the box, his first goal for Forest this season, during the match at the City Ground.

After outmuscling his marker and capitalising on a poor clearance, Aina unleashed a curling effort that left West Ham goalkeeper Łukasz Fabiański with no chance. The goal drew widespread admiration, with BBC pundit John Bennett predicting its inclusion on the shortlist and Lionesses legend Karen Carney labelling it “unstoppable, even by three goalkeepers.”

Despite this acclaim, the Premier League instead recognised eight other goals, including Mohamed Salah’s strike for Liverpool, Alejandro Garnacho’s curler for Manchester United, and three efforts from Matheus Cunha of Wolverhampton Wanderers. Cunha notably became the first player to have three goals nominated for a single Goal of the Month award.

Aina, however, remains undeterred and will aim to contribute more standout goals to secure recognition in future awards.

Editorial

The omission of Ola Aina’s spectacular goal from the Premier League’s Goal of the Month shortlist is a perplexing oversight. As fans of the game, we often marvel at moments of individual brilliance that redefine matches, and Aina’s strike was undoubtedly one of them. Yet, its exclusion raises questions about the criteria for such awards.

Aina’s goal was not only a technical masterpiece but also a testament to his determination and skill. Outmuscling an opponent, seizing the opportunity from a defensive lapse, and executing a perfect curling shot demonstrate attributes that should be celebrated in football. When legends like Karen Carney describe a goal as “unstoppable,” it deserves more than a passing mention.

This incident also highlights the broader issue of recognition in football. Players like Aina, who operate in roles not traditionally associated with scoring, often go unnoticed when they deliver moments of brilliance. The Premier League must ensure its accolades truly reflect the diversity and creativity of the game.

As admirers of Nigerian football, we see Aina’s exclusion as a challenge rather than a setback. This omission serves as motivation for him to continue delivering jaw-dropping performances. The world of football can be unforgiving, but it’s also a space where persistence pays off.

We believe Aina has the skill and mindset to not only create more memorable moments but to solidify his reputation as one of Nigeria’s finest exports. Recognition may have eluded him this time, but his journey is far from over.

Did You Know?

1. Goal of the Month History The Premier League introduced the Goal of the Month award in the 2016–2017 season to celebrate exceptional goals.
2. Aina’s Versatility Ola Aina has played in multiple defensive and midfield roles for club and country, showcasing his adaptability.
3. Nigerian Defenders in History Aina joins a legacy of Nigerian defenders like Taribo West and Joseph Yobo who contributed significantly to European football.
4. Forest’s Defensive Contributions Nottingham Forest defenders have historically scored some crucial goals, including in their European Cup-winning campaigns.
5. The Importance of Recognition Studies in sports psychology suggests that public recognition boosts players’ confidence and motivation, influencing their performances positively.