Nigeria's Aina: Forest ready for Villa Europa showdown

Nigeria international Ola Aina insists Nottingham Forest will approach Thursday's Europa League semi-final first leg against Aston Villa without pressure, despite Villa being overwhelming favorites based on European and Premier League form. The Tricky Trees host Unai Emery's men at City Ground in what's a massive European showdown. Aina told reporters Wednesday: "I don't think there's that much pressure... We just want to work hard and get the best result we can, which is hopefully a win tomorrow." First leg kicks off at City Ground Thursday night with Villa favored to advance to the final. The winner will face either Ajax or Roma in the final.

With Villa the clear favorite, can Nottingham Forest pull off an upset at home to keep their European dreams alive?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/04/29/europa-league-nottingham-forest-ready-for-villa-showdown-aina/