Ex-Arsenal Star Ajayi Reacts After Becoming Cap-Tied To Nigeria For Life

Published: September 08, 2018

Former Arsenal U23 captain Semi Ajayi has celebrated his debut for the Nigerian National Team in their 3-0 rout of minnows Seychelles in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Saturday afternoon.

Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr handed a debut to the Rotherham United star when he introduced the versatile defender as replacement for the injured right-back, Chidozie Awaziem in the 73rd minute.

The dual-eligible Ajayi, who was born in London, was a member of the Flying Eagles squad at the 2013 Toulon Tournament in France, where he made three appearances against Belgium, Brazil and Portugal.

For five years, the 24-year-old was in the international wilderness before he received his first call-up to the senior national team last month.

''Was an honour to make my international debut today,'' Ajayi posted on Twitter.

''Humbled to finally represent my country at the highest level and even more grateful to mark it with a win and clean sheet. Thank you God 🙏🏾🇳🇬🦅 #SuperEagles''.

Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi and Ola Aina played for England's youth teams before they committed their international future to Nigeria but Ajayi was uncapped by the Young Lions prior to his maiden appearance for the Super Eagles.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : thenff.com