Nigeria and West Bromwich Albion defender Semi Ajayi is in celebration mood following the Baggies massive win over Chelsea at the Stamford Bridge at the weekend.
After being left on the bench in Nigeria’s last two 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Lesotho during the international break, Ajayi returned to action for the Albions since February 20 when he bagged his first Premier League red card and second of his career (bagged two yellow cards in the FA Cup game against West Ham in January 2020).He also returned immediately to the starting line-up (his 25th start in 25 games).
The 26-year old started and played all 90 minutes in the tie that saw Matheus Pereira and Callum Robinson both bagged a brace in the 5-2 win while Thiago Silva became the villain after bagging his second yellow card in the 29th minute leading to the red card that reduced Chelsea to 10-men.
The Nigerian was rated nine out of 10 available marks by the highly reputable and influential Express and Star newspaper.
”Back in the side, Ajayi put in a classy display with his reading of the game exceptional. He was strong, made a goal-line clearance and ended the game with a 100 per cent pass completion rate,” the newspaper wrote.
Ajayi has since taken to his Instagram page to celebrate the massive win which came during the Easter celebrations:
@semishems “+3 Massive Win! Have a blessed Easter weekend baggies family#GIG #SA6”.
Ajayi made his 25th Premier League appearance in the game with the Nigerian centre-back now having two goals to his credit so far in his debut season in the English topflight.
By Sulaiman Alao