The former coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Gernot Rohr says he is shocked by the way Semi Ajayi has stepped up for the team at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, OwnGoalNigeria.comreports.
Ajayi has played every single minute of the tournament for the Super Eagles forming a solid three back three with the duo of Calvin Bassey and William Troost-Ekong. As a matter of fact Nigeria will head into the final on Sunday on the back of conceding just one goal via open play.
At the heart of it all is the West Brom defender, but his contribution is a bit understated with Ekong and Bassey getting all the credit. Rohr sees it differently and has nothing but praises for the 30 year old whom he gave his senior international debut for Nigeria.
” I gave him his debut in 2019 because I see that he has what it takes to do a job for the team. Even when he didn’t look really settled in the team I always knew he will come good. Watching him at the AFCON is like watching a different player entirely. He isn’t the same player anymore, his improvement over a short period of time is remarkable”, Rohr told OwnGoalNigeria.com.
” Ajayi is as important to the team as Ekong and Bassey. A lot of people don’t see that he has a rare quality which is pace. For a player of his height when you have that then you are unique. His development has really taken me by surprise”, he rounded up saying.
Ade Emmanuel
