Aina, Awoniyi Shine, Onuachu Scores As Forest Beat Southampton 3-2

Four of Nigeria’s Super Eagles stars took center stage as Nottingham Forest edged Southampton 3-2 in a thrilling Premier League encounter on Sunday.

Defender Ola Aina and striker Taiwo Awoniyi emerged victorious as their team triumphed over Joe Aribo and Paul Onuachu’s Southampton, handing the Saints their 18th Premier League defeat of the season.

Aina, who played the full 90 minutes, delivered an outstanding performance, including a pivotal assist. His sublime floated cross found Chris Wood, who headed the ball into the bottom corner to make it 3-0 for Forest just before halftime.

Earlier in the first half, Elliot Anderson and Callum Hudson-Odoi had struck for Forest in the 11th and 28th minutes, respectively.

Southampton, however, came back stronger in the second half as Jan Bednarek pulled one back in the 60th minute, and second-half substitute Onuachu rose high to powerfully head home from a corner in the 91st minute, cutting the deficit to 3-2.

Despite Southampton’s late surge and a dramatic finish, Aina’s heroic off-the-line clearance in stoppage time preserved Forest’s lead and ensured they secured all three points.

The win moved Forest level on 44 points with Arsenal, sitting just six points behind league leaders Liverpool, ahead of their next fixture against Bournemouth.

After the match, Aina shared a heartfelt message with the fans, “Another home win with your incredible support. I just want to say thank you for everything. Keep sticking with us, keep supporting us—we love you all!”