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Ola Aina to Torino is key to Super Eagles' Afcon stability

The flying wing-back opted against waiting for his shot at Chelsea, and looks to have found a home, and consistency, in Italy

As far as 2018/19 Chelsea loans were concerned, Ola Aina’s to Torino was perhaps the most unconventional.

The Blues' loan system is well documented, but sending the young Nigeria international to the modest midtable Serie A side was unexpected: Italy is not typically a destination the club has favoured, and neither is a destination that Nigerian footballers have frequented down the years.

Taribo West made the upper echelon of the league his oyster in the late 90s, playing for both Milan clubs, and Obafemi Martins famously shot to prominence with Internazionale.