Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina said he is confident the club will secure UEFA Champions League qualification next season [1].
This ambition follows a strong 2025/2026 campaign [1] where the club narrowly missed out on continental football. Aina's public confidence signals a shift in the club's internal expectations, moving from mid-table stability toward competing with Europe's elite.
"Nottingham Forest defender, Ola Aina, has said he is confident the club will secure Champions League qualification next season, after falling agonisingly short of continental football in the campaign" [2], Aina said.
The defender remains positive about the chances of the "Tricky Trees" making the top five in the English Premier League [1]. Such a finish would grant the club entry into the premier European competition for the first time in the modern era.
Aina indicated that the previous season's near-miss served as a catalyst for the current drive toward the top of the table [2]. The player's outlook suggests that the squad possesses the necessary quality to bridge the gap between the current standings and the qualification zone.
"Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina remains positive about the Tricky Trees' chances of making the top five in the English Premier League and playing in the UEFA Champions League next season" [1], Aina said.
The pursuit of a top-five finish requires consistent performance against the league's established powerhouses. Aina believes the momentum from the 2025/2026 campaign [1] provides a foundation for this leap in performance. By targeting the Champions League, the club aims to elevate its global profile, and attract higher-tier talent to the City Ground.
“"I am confident the club will secure Champions League qualification next season"”
Aina's comments reflect a growing confidence within the Nottingham Forest squad following their performance in the 2025/2026 season. Transitioning from a struggle for survival to targeting the Champions League represents a significant leap in sporting ambition, placing the club in direct competition with the Premier League's traditional top-six teams.
