West Brom: National media wowed by Semi Ajayi after Nigeria display v South Africa
West Brom defender Semi Ajayi completed the full 120 minutes for Nigeria in their African Cup of Nations semi-final win over South Africa on penalties (7 February).
Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho scored the winning penalty as Nigeria booked their place in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with a 4-2 shootout win over South Africa after some goalkeeping heroics from Christian Nwabali.
The game in Bouake finished 1-1 following a remarkable end to normal time which involved the referee going to his video monitor to disallow a Victor Osimhen strike which would have put Nigeria 2-0 up – and instead awarding a penalty to South Africa.
West Brom man Ajayi featured heavily for the Super Eagles as they now look to win their fourth continental title when they take on hosts Ivory Coast again in the final on Sunday (11 February).
And the Nigerian media were left blown away by his display in defence.
All Nigeria Soccer handed him a score of “8/10”, writing: “Arguably Nigeria’s standout player in the first half. The West Brom centre-back put on a good defensive show and made some well-timed challenges, winning most of the duels he contested.”
Meanwhile, Soccernet were a bit harsh with their rating handing Ajayi a “6.7/10” as they wrote: “The West Bromwich Albion defender was a threat for the opposition in the air. He was sent up-front by Jose Peseiro a few times to help relieve Osimhen of some of the aerial pressure in attack. He won every duel he went into.”
Carlos Corberan could have an International champion on his hands
It is fair to say the Nigerian media have been pretty harsh in their criticism of the defender recently but could certainly not hold back on their praise of the West Brom defender after yet another stunning individual showing for his nation.
The Super Eagles have not conceded a single open-play goal since the opening game of the competition against Equatorial Guinea.
Ajayi has proven every bit a part of that success and it’s that recipe that leads several teams on to become continental champions and Nigeria have a massive chance of achieving that if their defensive masterclasses continue.
There was one instance in the game where a South Africa attacker thought he was through on goal 1 on 1 with the goalkeeper but for Ajayi’s last-ditch intervention, speeding up to him before forcing well wide of the Nigeria goal.
It’s that type of defending that has made him a fan favourite at The Hawthorns for West Brom and Ajayi has carried that forward on one of the grandest international stages.
Nigeria will have set themselves the goal of winning AFCON this year, and having already beaten the favourites and hosts Ivory Coast, they will be confident of doing it again on Sunday.
Carlos Corberan could well have an international champion on his hands by the time Sunday draws to a close. A huge boost for the Baggies in their own aspirations this season.
In other West Brom news, Tony Brown has shared his reaction after what he saw from one Albion player in the Black Country derby.
For more West Brom news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.