West Brom defender Ajayi overlooks Premier League heartbreak, optimistic about AFCON ticket

Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi has put behind him the disappointment of his Championship side West Brom failing to gain promotion to the Premier League.  

The Nigerian international is in the Super Eagles camp for Sunday's 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone and is confident that the team will qualify for the 2023 AFCON but he also spoke about the promotion chase of his club. 

Ajayi spoke to Brila FM Lagos on how the season panned put for his club and the Super Eagles' AFCON mission. 

"It's good to be back among the (Super Eagles) lads. I had a few injuries that derailed my season but it's good to be back," he said. 

"Our goal was to gain promotion to the top-flight. But we have put that behind us and will work towards getting back to the big stage next season," Ajayi added. 

The Baggies finished in 9th place in the Championship in the 2022/2023 season with 66 points and missed out on the Promotion playoffs places. 

Speaking on the game against Sierra Leone on Sunday, the centre back said:"We don't focus on them but on ourselves. We have go out with the right frame of minds and listen to the coaches. 

"We appreciate the support of our fans and hope they we can make them proud."

Ajayi has gone the distance in three of of the four games played by the Super Eagles in 2023 AFCON qualifying. 

Izuchukwu Michael

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