West Brom eagerly await Semi Ajayi return after 100% Nigeria display earns high praise
West Brom will be eagerly awaiting the return of Semi Ajayi after his performances for Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations, with his most recent display earning him a spot in the WhoScored Team of the Round.
Ajayi was dominant as Nigeria defeated South Africa courtesy of a penalty shootout, with the game ending 1-1, putting an end to the Super Eagles’ run of four consecutive clean sheets at the tournament.
His display earned praise from Nigerian news outlet All Nigeria Soccer, who awarded the defender an 8/10 rating and wrote: “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.”
WhoScored, meanwhile, handed him a 7.25 rating to justify his inclusion in their Team of the Semi-Finals alongside Nigeria teammates Stanley Nwabali, Frank Onyeka and Victor Osimhen as they helped their team qualify for the final.
Semi Ajayi helps Nigeria to the AFCON final
In the display in question, the penalty-shootout victory against South Africa, Ajayi dominated defensively, providing the backbone for his team’s success. He won 100 per cent of his aerial duels, and six of seven attempted ground duels in 120 minutes of football. [Sofascore]
His pass completion percentage wasn’t particularly impressive at just 77 per cent, with 27 passes completed from 35 attempts, but that wasn’t his role in the side on the night.
The defender’s main aim was to do just that – defend – and that is where he excelled. Five tackles made playing as the right-sided centre-back saw him dominate the winger, with one clearance and one interception made, on top of being dribbled past just once.
It was shared by another Nigerian news outlet, Soccernet, that Ajayi even joined Osimhen up front at times to provide some height and mount pressure, which is displayed by his one shot on target and 100 per cent dribble success rate.
West Brom will now be eagerly awaiting his return, hopefully with a winners medal in hand, to bolster their defensive unit despite impressive performances from both Cedric Kipre and Kyle Bartley in his absence.
In other West Brom news, Carlos Corberan has detailed new midfield transfer plans.
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