The former Arsenal schoolboy has been a rock in defence as Nigeria overcame initial wobbles to reach the semifinals of the continental championships
West Brom defender Semi Ajayi has explained why Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been difficult to handle for their opponents at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria have been one of the best-organized teams at the 34th edition of the AFCON, with the Super Eagles combining some solid defending with an efficient attack.
The three-time AFCON champions have kept four clean sheets and netted six goals in excellent victories over hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Cameroon, and Angola.
Nigeria’s goals have come from Victor Osimhen, William Troost-Ekong, and Ademola Lookman, with Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon providing an assist each.
A clash against 1996 winners South Africa awaits in the semifinal, with Nigeria the heavy favourites to advance to the final on February 11.
Ajayi believes Nigeria have been so successful because the Super Eagles possess several players who can hurt the opposition in attack.
The 30-year-old defender insists the Super Eagles are in Cote d’Ivoire to lift a fourth continental trophy, and South Africa will have a tough time facing Nigeria on Friday.
“I think the beauty of this team is that we’ve got so many weapons,” Ajayi said.
“You can’t put all your attention on one person because we have so many people who are capable of creating and scoring.
“We’re not done yet. We’ve still got another game on Wednesday and hopefully another game on Sunday.
“We came here to win, so full focus goes towards Wednesday now.”
Nigeria have only ever lost twice in 14 meetings with South Africa since their first encounter in 1992.
The Super Eagles have won all three games against the Bafana Bafana at the AFCON.
