West Brom: National media critical of Semi Ajayi in Nigeria loss v Ivory Coast in AFCON final
West Brom defender Semi Ajayi suffered heartbreak as Nigeria fell to a 2-1 loss against Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations final.
The 30-year-old played a key part in the Super Eagles’ run to Sunday’s (11 February) showpiece at Alassane Ouattara Stadium.
Ajayi’s side fell just short of an historic triumph in Abidjan, however, and the national press was not all that impressed by the defender’s display.
Soccernet gave Ajayi a 5.8/10 rating and claimed he “was not involved in defending with the team as a unit”.
The website adds that Ajayi “didn’t help” wing-back Ola Aina on the right flank, leaving his defensive team-mate “isolated”.
Meanwhile, All Nigeria Soccer gave Ajayi a 6.5/10, although the piece adds that “there is no fault to be apportioned” to Ajayi.
Semi Ajayi in line for West Brom return against Southampton
Anyone who watched the game will know Ajayi was certainly not at fault for Nigeria’s defeat.
The Super Eagles may have come out second best in the final, but Ajayi will emerge from the tournament as a hero among supporters.
Ajayi played seven times in the tournament, helping his side keep four clean sheets during that streak – impressive going.
From a purely selfish point of view, it would have been great if Nigeria had been knocked out earlier in the tournament so that Ajayi could return to The Hawthorns.
However, Albion have coped well enough in their six matches without Ajayi, albeit they have registered just a couple of shutouts in that time.
Carlos Corberan will hope that Ajayi can get this defeat out of his system in order to make a swift return to the Albion side.
Tuesday’s (13 February) visit of Ajayi’s former club Cardiff City will surely come too soon, but it will be good to have him back for next weekend’s showdown with Southampton
In other West Brom news, Richard Keys and Andy Gray disagreed on a point made regarding the draw against Ipswich Town.
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.