Super Eagles duo, Semi Ajayi and Joe Ayodele-Aribo will lock horns in the semi-final of the EFL Championship play-offs as both sides look to seal a place in the English top-flight next season, Soccernet.ng reports.
Ajayi was an integral of Jose Peseiro’s back-three defence in Ivory Coast as Nigeria claimed a silver medal. At the same time, Southampton’s Aribo often came from the substitute’s bench to help the team hold on to the scoreline.
Aribo was relegated with Southampton last season and is keen to secure top-flight status for the Saints meanwhile West Brom last played Premier League football in the 2020/2021 season.
Leicester City have been crowned as the Champions of the EFL Championships while Ipswich Town have also joined the Foxes in securing premier league status ahead of next season, leaving Southampton, Leeds United, West Bromwich Albion and Norwich City in the playoff spots.
Southampton have been drawn against West Brom in the playoff semi-finals, meaning Joe Aribo and Semi Ajayi will put friendship aside over two legs as they battle it out in a bid to play the final in Wembley.
The Baggies will host the first leg at the Hawthorns on Sunday, May 17th while the reverse fixture will take place at the St Mary’s Stadium on Friday, May 17th, with Russell Martin’s Southampton having the home advantage in the second leg.
The winner of the tie will face the winner of the clash between Leeds United and Norwich City in the final which will be held in Wembley on the 26th of May.
