West Brom: International media slam Semi Ajayi after Nigeria defeat v Mali
Nigerian media have slammed West Brom defender Semi Ajayi after the part he played in the 2-0 friendly defeat to Mali on Tuesday 26 March.
While Ajayi didn’t make any glaring mistakes to speak of, a relatively uninspiring performance from the Super Eagles led to a frustrating defeat in which he played no significant part.
There was a lack of communication between Ajayi and his defensive partners Kenneth Omeruo and Chidozie Awaziem, and it was the latter who cost Nigeria the opening goal.
Both Nigerian news outlets Soccernet and All Nigeria Soccer rated his performance as a 6/10, with the former writing: “The West Brom man had a game to forget. He, alongside the other two defenders, could have done better. His lack of communication with the other two centre-backs was evident.”
All Nigeria Soccer were less critical, as they shared: “The West Brom centre-back was calm and decent in carrying out his defensive duties and was the better of the three centre-backs.”
Semi Ajayi struggles on international duty with Nigeria
The latest criticism of his form for Nigeria has come just days after he was described as “shaky” as the Super Eagles won 2-1 against Ghana, although that seemed a similarly low-key performance to the one against Mali.
West Brom will hope he can turn in some more inspiring displays when he arrives back at The Hawthorns, although he may find it difficult to come back into the team thanks to the partnership forged by Cedric Kipre and Kyle Bartley.
With the race for the playoffs beginning to hot up, Ajayi could play a crucial role in helping Carlos Corberan’s side hang on to their current position in fifth, with the playoffs and ultimately promotion the goal of everybody at The Hawthorns.
With their bid for promotion very much on the cards, every player at West Brom will have to step up in the coming weeks to secure a playoff place, before ensuring they are at the top of their game to win promotion via the playoffs.
In other West Brom news, Andreas Weimann could be set for a permanent transfer move.
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