Pure Joy: Injured Ola Aina's viral dance proves what Forest's 11-game drought-breaking win means

Injured Super Eagles star Ola Aina stole the spotlight off the pitch with a vibrant, viral celebration following Nottingham Forest’s momentous 2-0 victory against FC Porto in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday evening at the City Ground.

Aina, sidelined but present, was filmed gleefully dancing close to the tunnel, showing the relief and euphoria that swept through the squad after finally securing a win and snapping a debilitating 11-match drought.

Under the new management of Sean Dyche, Nottingham Forest delivered a commanding and much-needed performance to defeat Portuguese giants FC Porto.

The win is particularly significant as it marks the club's first European victory at the City Ground since the 1995/96 season, lifting the heavy weight of a recent 11-game winless run.

Forest took the lead in the first half when Morgan Gibbs-White confidently converted a penalty following a handball.

The decisive moment arrived late in the second half when Igor Jesus, after a VAR review, slotted home a second penalty, his first-ever goal at the City Ground, to seal the three points.

Goalkeeper Matz Sels also played his part, making a crucial save just before halftime to preserve the advantage.

While his teammates were basking in the glow of the victory, defender Aina, who was not dressed for the game due to injury, provided the post-match entertainment.

The UEFA Europa League's official social media account shared a short video of the Nigeria international dancing exuberantly around the tunnel area, full of pure, unbridled joy, before sharing a warm hug with goalscorer Gibbs-White.

The footage quickly went viral, eliciting strong reactions from fans online. "Ola Aina is pure vibes!" and "Can't wait to have him back on the pitch" were common sentiments, highlighting the defender's popularity and infectious personality.

This high-energy celebration shows the immense pressure the team had been under and the relief of finally securing a win under the new coach.

This landmark victory is more than just three points; it represents a potential turning point for the club. The win will provide a significant confidence boost for Dyche's side, who have struggled for consistency.

The result injects much-needed positive momentum ahead of upcoming domestic and European fixtures, including the crucial return leg.

For the fans, this victory is a long-awaited moment of pride, solidifying a fresh start with the new managerial team.

Aina's public display of passion, despite being injured, will only further endear him to the supporters and is a strong indicator of the unity and high morale within the squad.