West Brom: Nigerian media react to what Semi Ajayi did v Ghana
West Brom defender Semi Ajayi featured for Nigeria in their victory over Ghana on Friday (22 March).
The 30-year-old started in the heart of the defence for the Super Eagles as they secured a 2-1 win in Marrakech.
Cyriel Dessers and Ademola Lookman handed Nigeria a 2-0 lead before Jordan Ayew grabbed a late consolation from the penalty spot in the friendly.
Nigerian news site soccernet.ng was slightly critical of Ajayi’s performance, claiming he looked “shaky” at times throughout the game, but it added that his aerial presence was evident as he helped his side clear away any danger as he was handed a 6.4 rating.
It was a different story in the report from Allnigeriasoccer.com, as it gave the centre-back a 7/10 for his “calm and composed” performance, suggesting that he “didn’t put a foot wrong” in the Super Eagles’ victory.
Afrik-Foot took on a similar view as it praised the defender for putting in some decent challenges and dominating in the air, with him being handed an 8/10 for his display.
Semi Ajayi makes international statement for more West Brom minutes
It will have been a frustrating past few weeks for Ajayi after he’s had to settle for brief appearances off the bench at West Brom.
While the defender had lost his place in the Baggies’ starting lineup before heading off to the Africa Cup of Nations in January, he appears to have slipped further down the pecking order since his return.
But that hasn’t affected his place in the Nigeria squad as he once again started – and seemingly played well – for his country against Ghana.
Although Carlos Corberan will be more interested in what his players do for Albion, the centre-back will be hoping his international form can help him make a case to receive more minutes at The Hawthorns.
It’s unknown whether or not he will get that opportunity, but given that anything could happen as the season heads into the final few weeks, Ajayi could still have a role to play in the promotion push.
In other West Brom news, Craig Dawson has aimed a dig at Albion after what happened against Wolves.
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