Semi Ajayi is one Eagle that’s got his game covered in glory but not entirely seen to be appropriately appreciated for his yeoman’s job at the Eagles’ rear.
His pillars are cemented rock solid, providing a fortress that is almost impregnable with rear guard partner Calvin Bassey returning the same signals.
Ajayi not only sweeps, he mops clean and clear and great going forward to extend his communication lines to the midfield and the attack. He does with so much relish and uncommon ability, yet he’s grossly unsong.
Injuries had kept him out for some games though he represented well even when retired captain William Troost-Ekong lasted on the pitch, but lately he’s just let loose like a charging bull dog
But that has been the massive stuff Ajayi is made of but very little eyes hover around him to appreciate his innate qualities.
Coach Eric Chelle, fast warming his way into the millions of fans’ hearts globally, recognizes massive talents and up again he dug Ajayi. The Hull City star defender has refused to disappoint.
Not a defender with the round leather beautifully wrapped round his feet to the fans’ delight, but his primary defensive duties he’s mastered with the guile of a military brigade commander.
But why the little eyes on him? Technics and tactics in the beautiful game are hardly decoded by the ordinary fan, only flamboyance, skill trading and showboating are easily recognized and appreciated.
Ajayi’s onerous tasks of keeping the strikers away from the goal area and goalkeeper are bigger and more tasking than flamboyance. Putting his body on the line to avert danger is a task that must be done according to Ajayi’s creed.
Bassey’s got amazing ball skills and close ball control for a central defender and loves venturing upfield to sniff at goal. That’s why he’s been easily seen and appreciated by fans.
But who does he leave behind as he searches for goal upfield?
Belief, confidence and assurance of a safe rear under Ajayi’s control is Bassey’s biggest motivating factor. To Bassey, the risk is hugely worth it since Ajayi covers the area and marches militarily to ward off any danger in case of a fast break while Bassey is still on holidays.
The defensive communication between the two outstanding central defenders has worked so well thus far in the AFCON that opponents have yet to provide answers to.
Ajayi, the great cleaner of the augean stables, combines this with goal scoring which he does regularly and with class.
Set pieces he loves with his full chest, his languid figure complimenting, Ajayi loves his effort with the head resting coolly in the net.
This rare attribute features his uncommon style and ability and sending goalkeepers on errands completes his superb contributions to the Super Eagles.
Ajayi’s Eagles’ goals have been timely, crucial and agony-saving as well as waking up the strikers to take it from there and yet, his roses, tulips and daffodils are in criminal short supply.
His brilliant head found the back of the net again in the ongoing AFCON, his 36-minute header opener gave Eagles renewed confidence in the group opener against Tanzania.
When Ademola Lookman made it two early in the second half, the Eagles’ attack had come alive but a resolute display by the Taifa Stars limited the final score to 2-1.
While Ajayi agreed with the back four to keep things as tight as ever, Osihmen re-gigged with his men to go into goal frenzy. Eagles are currently the highest scoring team and the least conceding team in the AFCON, scoring 14 times and letting in just four.
Belting 52 caps for his country and yet unsong doesn’t speak well of fans back home and in the diaspora. But in the long run, their eyes will open to appreciate his brilliant qualities.
Perhaps, a move to the English Premier League or the top leagues in Europe will change his story.
IKENWA ASHIBUOGWU NNABUOGOR
