Aina launches new boots for AFCON 2025

Ola Aina has unveiled a new limited-edition boot ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, to mark a personal milestone as he continues his recovery from injury while keeping his place in Nigeria’s provisional squad, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Nottingham Forest defender has collaborated with sustainable brand Sokito to create a custom design named ‘Mr Lulu’, inspired by his nickname.

The light green boot draws from Nigerian culture and iconic Super Eagles kits, featuring hand-drawn wings, leaves and the African continent.

The insole and side of the boot carry the ‘Mr Lulu’ logo, while the footwear incorporates a 100 per cent knit tongue for improved comfort. It is largely plant-based, made with materials including bamboo, corn waste, castor beans and recycled plastic.

Only 1,000 pairs of the Sokito Scudetta ‘Mr Lulu’ boots will be released, concluding an 18-month development process. They will be available online from December 5.

Aina’s off-field creation comes as questions remain over his availability for Forest before the continental tournament.

The fullback has been sidelined since sustaining a hamstring injury in the opening minutes of Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against South Africa in September.

He has missed 16 matches across all competitions and was not registered for the Premier League or Europa League squads after the injury, leaving him ineligible to feature for the club until the January transfer window.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, Forest manager Sean Dyche confirmed that while Aina is improving, he will not return to club action this year.

“Ola is getting close to fitness, but obviously can’t be with us until January,” Dyche said.

He added that the defender is “back on the grass”, but remains in a “longer-term situation” despite steady progress.

Although he could be physically ready in December, any participation in AFCON would keep him unavailable to Forest until the new year.

Despite the club constraints, Nigeria coach Eric Chelle included Aina in his provisional 54-man squad for the tournament, reinforcing the defender’s importance to the Super Eagles as he pushes towards full fitness.