Oluwasemilogo Ajayi helped Sam Allardyce’s men earn a massive point against the reigning league champions, and his international teammates have joined him in celebrating his first-ever English top-flight goal
Super Eagles vice-captain William Troost-Ekong, Everton star Alex Iwobi, Fulham’s fullback Ola Aina, Rangers strongman Leon Balogun and Hope Akpan have sent congratulatory messages to Semi Ajayi after the West Brom defender scored his first Premier League goal on Sunday night.
Against all odds, West Brom forced Liverpool to a 1-1 draw at Anfield, thanks to Semi Ajayi’s goal – the Nigeria international defender rose above all others to power an unstoppable header past goalkeeper Alisson and restore parity for the Baggies.
It was the first time Jurgen Klopp’s well-drilled team would drop points at home this season.
Ajayi could have claimed his landmark goal against Manchester City twelve days earlier, but his deflected effort went down as a Rúben Dias own goal.
After totalling 1,251 minutes on the pitch in 14 league stars for West Brom, the former Arsenal U23 captain finally became the second Nigerian to score his first goal in the Premier League this season after Fulham’s Torino loanee Ola Aina.
Reacting to his first goal in the Premier League vs Liverpool, Ajayi posted on Instagram: “FIRST PREMIER LEAGUE GOAL! ⚽️ GOD IS GREAT 🙏🏾❤️”.
Recognising the importance of the moment, other Nigerian footballers have joined Ajayi in celebrating the landmark goal.
In responding to Ajayi’s post, former Mainz man Leon Balogun wrote: “Not the worst place to score your first goal in the prem. Congrats bro”.
Watford defender Troost-Ekong also responded: “You are the man”.
Fulham right-back Ola Aina posted three handshake emojis before later writing: ” Come and see face”.
Nigerian midfielder Alex Iwobi commented: “Big”.
Former Reading star and four-cap Super Eagles ace Hope Akpan also sent three fire emojis.
Ajayi will hope to continue his excellent form when West Brom face Leeds United on Tuesday before taking on his old club Arsenal on January 2, 2021.
