Ola Aina Boot launch brings a positive lift as the Nigeria defender unveils his ‘Mr Lulu’ design ahead of AFCON while continuing injury recovery.

Nigeria fullback Ola Aina today unveiled a limited-edition Ola Aina Boot named Mr Lulu, marking a personal milestone as the Nottingham Forest defender continues his recovery from a hamstring injury while retaining his place in Eric Chelle’s provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Also read: Ola Aina considers quitting Super Eagles over NFF snub

Aina collaborated with sustainable manufacturer Sokito to produce the bespoke design, inspired by his long-time nickname.

The light green boot draws heavily from Nigerian culture and classic Super Eagles aesthetics, featuring hand-drawn wings, leaves and an outline of the African continent.

The insole and outer side carry the Mr Lulu logo, while the footwear uses a full knit tongue for improved comfort.

Sokito said the Scudetta model is largely plant-based, made from bamboo, castor beans, corn waste and recycled plastic.

Only 1,000 pairs will be released following an 18-month development process, with online sales beginning on 5 December.

The brand described the launch as a powerful example of athlete-led creativity with sustainability at its core.

Aina has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury in the opening minutes of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier against South Africa in September.

He has missed 16 matches across all competitions and remains ineligible for Nottingham Forest until the January transfer window due to registration limits.

Forest manager Sean Dyche, speaking ahead of Wednesday’s Premier League fixture at Wolverhampton Wanderers, said Aina is making steady progress but will not return to club action this year.

Dyche confirmed the defender is back training on grass, though he remains in what the manager called a longer-term situation.

Although Aina could regain fitness in December, any involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations would keep him unavailable to Forest until early 2026.

Also read: Ola Aina injury worry hits Forest before Arsenal clash

Chelle nonetheless included him in Nigeria’s provisional 54-man squad, signalling the defender’s ongoing value to the Super Eagles as he pushes towards full fitness.