Ex-Arsenal U23 Skipper, Ajayi Speaks On AFCON Tie Vs Seychelles

Published: September 07, 2018

Former Arsenal U23 skipper Semi Ajayi has stressed the importance of emerging victorious in the AFCON qualifier versus Seychelles on Saturday, September 8th.

Nigeria go in for a make-or-break clash with the Pirates at the Stade Linite and will look to keep their hopes of qualifying for the continental competition holding next year with a win after losing the first of their Group E games against South Africa.

Ajayi is one of the newly invited Eagles hoping to make their first team debuts for Nigeria, the others been Paderbon's Jamilu Collins, Bordeaux's Samuel Kalu and Porto's Kelechi Nwakali.

"It is a very important game. We didn't win the last one (2-0 loss to South Africa) so it is good we get back to winning ways, focus and not take it too lightly," the Rotherham star stated in a video clip posted on the National Team's Twitter handle.

"We need to make sure we play to the best of our abilities and listen to the coach. Hopefully we can get a positive result.

When asked what he and the team would expect form the Nigerian folk come Saturday, he said.

"We want all Nigerians to support the team in the course of the game. It is equally important because it will give us the confidence and motivation to negotiate this one."

The much anticipated cracker on Saturday starts at 4.30pm Seychelles time (1.30pm Nigeria time).

Emmanuel Chinaza