Ola Aina sends three-word response to Nottingham Forest’s Zach Abbott message
Zach Abbott has done his first-team chances at Nottingham Forest no harm after a season as understudy to Ola Aina.
Aina made the right-back berth his own at the City Ground last term and was one of the best full-backs in the Premier League, as Forest enjoyed a campaign which defied all predictions and expectations.
Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side were early-season tips for relegation, but sat comfortably in the Champions League places for much of the campaign before a late dip in form saw them drop to seventh place.
With European football on the agenda as Forest prepare for the UEFA Conference League next season, the likes of Aina will need to build on their strong performances as the Reds compete on multiple fronts.
Abbott makes England impact away from Nottingham Forest
Although Forest were rightfully lauded as the Premier League’s surprise package in 2024–25, their late-season slump in form included a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley.
Abbott started ahead of Aina at right-back in Forest’s disappointing display, but couldn’t prevent the Reds going 1-0 down inside two minutes as City coasted to a comfortable victory in the capital.
However, Abbott has bounced back on international duty and captained England‘s Young Lions in a breathtaking 5-5 draw with Germany’s Under-19s on Tuesday, scoring the fourth goal of their comeback.
After Abbott helped England respond from 5-1 down to level things up in 15 second-half minutes, Forest posted on their Instagram page (17 June) with the message: “Zach captaining and scoring for England U19s”.
Forest duo Callum Hudson-Odoi and Jota Silva both liked the post, while Aina left a comment to say: “That’s my boy!!!!”
Aina and Abbott to face new competition at Nottingham Forest
Football Insider Verdict
Forest’s preparations for their European campaign next season have already begun, with one defender already released in the form of Harry Toffolo in a move which has led to tributes from his team-mates.
The increased fixture list will give Abbott more chances to get game-time in his preferred centre-back role, but last summer’s sale of Moussa Niakhate made clear that Nuno is willing to let defenders leave.
Forest have already agreed a triple deal to bring three Botafogo players to the City Ground this summer, and with centre-back Jair Cunha set to provide more competition, it’s unclear how often we’ll see Abbott next term.