Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi has expressed confidence in the nation’s chances of achieving success at the ongoing 2025 African Cup of Nations in Morocco, SportPremi reports.
The Super Eagles begin their quest for a fourth African title when they face the Taifa Stars on Tuesday, as they eye victory to underline their status as one of the tournament’s favourites.
Hull City defender Semi Ajayi was included in Eric Chelle’s final 28-man squad and will be hoping for a key role at the heart of defence.
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The three-time champions will be without the defensive duo of Benjamin Fredrick and William Troost-Ekong for the tournament, leaving the country short at center-back.
Ajayi, 32, played every minute of Nigeria’s run to the final in the 2023 edition held in Ivory Coast and is poised for another major role this time around.
The experienced defender has over 40 appearances for the Super Eagles and is likely to partner Calvin Bassey in the heart of the defence.
What Semi Ajayi said
The Nigerian defender expressed optimism ahead of his side’s opener against Tanzania and believes the team have an advantage ahead of their opponents, having played in Morocco over the last month.
The Super Eagles faced Gabon and DR Congo in Morocco for the CAF playoff finals last month, defeating the former before losing to the latter in the final.
“A lot of the squad has a lot of experience playing in Morocco, so I’m sure that it will be in our favour, which will be crucial later in the tournament”, the Hull City defender stated.
“There’s always pressure when you play for Nigeria, but that’s normal. It’s a big nation with great expectations and we have great expectations for ourselves as well, so we put pressure on ourselves to live up to those expectations.
The plan, the emphasis is to go one step further than last time. The last time we had an amazing campaign, but unfortunately we fell short in the final and this time our aim is to go one step further, so that’s what we’re putting all our efforts and energy towards”, Ajayi concluded.
Nigeria face Tanzania in their opening AFCON match later today, before further group games against Tunisia and Uganda on the 27th and 30th, respectively.
The Super Eagles will be hoping to book their spot in the knockout rounds of the competition, which is scheduled to commence on the 3rd of January, 2026.
