…back-to-back clean sheets delights Semi Ajayi
Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi believes Nigeria’s commanding 2–0 victory over Algeria in Saturday’s quarter-final of the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will provide a major confidence boost ahead of their semi-final clash against hosts Morocco on Wednesday.
The Super Eagles dominated proceedings against the 2019 champions, sealing the win through second-half goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams.
Nigeria will face hosts Morocco in the semi-final at the 50,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with victory sending the Super Eagles into the final for the second consecutive tournament as they chase a fourth AFCON title.
Speaking after the match, Ajayi said the performance was the kind that naturally builds belief within a squad as they progress deeper into the competition. He also expressed satisfaction with the team’s growing defensive solidity.
More Read
“This sort of win breeds confidence,” Ajayi told reporters, per Ademola Victor TV. “We know what we are capable of, but a win like this is a huge statement and reinforces the confidence we have in ourselves.”
The Hull City defender added that every match at the Africa Cup of Nations presents a challenge and insisted Nigeria will maintain their focus despite facing the tournament hosts in the semi-finals.
“Every game at the AFCON has been difficult – there’s been no easy match,” he said. “We’re not taking any game lightly. I feel we’ve improved gradually with every game, and we’re looking to take another step forward in the next one.”
Beyond the result, Nigeria also recorded a second consecutive clean sheet at the tournament – a stark contrast to their opening three group-stage matches, in which they conceded in every outing. Ajayi acknowledged the progress but stressed that there is still room for improvement ahead of Wednesday’s encounter.
“As defenders, that’s what we pride ourselves on,” he added. “We’re happy to get two clean sheets in a row, but there are still things we can improve on. We want to be dominant and ruthless.”
© Bold Sports Media. All rights reserved. If sharing, kindly credit Bold Sports as the source and include a link to the original post. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
