Nigeria’s road to AFCON: Semi Ajayi confident in Super Eagles’ hunger and readiness

West Brom defender Semi Ajayi has expressed excitement ahead of Nigeria’s crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Guinea-Bissau.

The Super Eagles will take on the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Friday, with the reverse fixture to be played next Monday in Bissau.

Victory in both games will see Nigeria secure a place in Cote d’Ivoire with two games to play, and Ajayi has stated his desire to help the team achieve their objective.

What was said? 

“I’m looking forward to it, of course, two very important games toward our qualification to the AFCON,” Ajayi told NFF TV.

He also added, “So everyone is hungry and raring to go. We are taking in the information the coaches are giving us, and we are taking it to practice.

“As always, I want to give my absolute best for my country and my team, to do my job, and to help maximise the capabilities. I’m really looking forward to the game and can’t wait to play.”

Despite being one of the most experienced defenders in the Eagles squad, Ajayi has had to play second fiddle to the centre-back pairing of William Troost-Ekong and Leon Balogun in recent years.

However, Troost-Ekong and Balogun are not in the Super Eagles squad for the Guinea-Bissau games due to injuries and Ajayi will hope to be in Jose Peseiro’s starting lineup against the Djurtus.

Peseiro, though, has a decision to make about who to play at the heart of the defence between Leganes’ Kenneth Omeruo, Hoffenheim’s Kevin Akpoguma, and Ajayi.

The Portuguese tactician has also previously deployed Ajax fullback Calvin Bassey in that role.

Nigeria’s game against Guinea-Bissau will be played at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Friday, March 24, with kickoff time set at 5 pm.