He was gutted to have missed out on the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, but Semi Ajayi insists he didn’t take it personally and has his eyes set on bigger things
Semi Ajayi has revealed he was devastated to have been omitted from Nigeria’s squad that went to 2019 AFCON, but the disappointment made him come back stronger.
Aina made his debut for Nigeria in 2018 and was named in Gernot Rohr’s 30-man provisional list for Africa’s biggest sporting competition last year.
However, the former Arsenal star did not make the final 23-man list, and that left him disappointed. Speaking in an interview with BBC, Ajayi revealed he was gutted, but he never wished the squad bad.
“I was gutted, but I wished the guys all the best, and I didn’t take it personally”, Ajayi said. I just knew I had to come back and show what I’m about.
But since missing AFCON last year, Ajayi has gone on to become a key player in Rohr’s squad. The 26-year-old has played in all of Super Eagles games after the nations cup.
Part of my interview with Nigeria’s 🇳🇬 @SemiAjayi of @WBA as prepares to play in @premierleague for 1st time.
🗣”Look at me I was in League One just 18 months ago & now I’m getting ready to play in the Premier League.”
Being axed from Afcon 2019
“I was gutted (to miss out)” pic.twitter.com/OiGVSa1KwK
— Mimi Fawaz (@MimosaFawaz) September 11, 2020
With him now a vital team player, Ajayi has set two targets for himself with the national team. The West Brom midfielder revealed he wants to win an AFCON and the biggest title of them all- the World Cup with Nigeria.
When asked the things he hopes to achieve in his career, Ajayi said; “Definitely to win an AFCON, that’ll be amazing for Nigeria and playing in the World Cup as well.
“And to win the World Cup, why not, Ajayi added.