West Brom: International media wowed by Semi Ajayi after Nigeria AFCON win v Ivory Coast – ‘Solid’
Semi Ajayi played the full 90 minutes as Nigeria recorded a crucial 1-0 win over African Cup of Nations hosts Ivory Coast on Thursday (18 January).
Nigeria took a huge step towards reaching the last 16 at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with their first-ever away victory over the tournament hosts after William Troost-Ekong’s second-half penalty.
The Super Eagles leapfrogged the Elephants to go second in Group A and are behind leaders Equatorial Guinea, who beat Guinea-Bissau 4-2 earlier on Thursday, on goal difference.
And Nigerian online outlet All Nigeria Soccer (14 January) took to their player ratings after the game and were wowed by Ajayi’s display, handing him a “7.5/10” rating:
“Quietly went about his duties in the first half and was solid in the second half, snuffing out the threat posed by the Ivorian strikers as they searched for an equaliser.”
Brilliant display
Nigeria certainly took a huge step towards knockout qualification on Thursday after a great display against Ivory Coast and the Super Eagles certainly had Ajayi and his defensive teammates to thank.
Ajayi’s team were incredibly solid when they needed to be and certainly achieved what is expected from a three-game group stage challenge and that is win at all costs.
Nigeria certainly did and Ajayi’s defensive display will have Carlos Corberan mightily impressed.
Playing a crucial role in the important clean sheet, the Albion star completed 91% of his passes, losing possession of the ball just three times [Sofascore].
Moreover, the centre-back won both of his ground duels (100%) and two of his three aerial duels, as well as making three clearances, one interception and one tackle.
Nigeria currently occupy second spot in Group A of Afcon, with their final group clash coming against bottom-placed Guinea-Bissau on Monday (22 January) and another solid defensive display from Ajayi and co will be required to seal their knockout stages fate.
In other West Brom news, Brandon Thomas-Asante has gushed over one exit-linked Albion teammate amid January transfer window speculation.
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