'Played 90 minutes in both of his games for Nigeria' - West Brom boss provides fitness update on Ajayi

West Brom manager Carlos Corberán has provided an update on the fitness statuses of two Nigeria internationals, including Semi Ajayi, ahead of his side's upcoming Championship clash against Ipswich Town.

Ajayi, who is Nigeria's first choice central defender these days, was among the four Super Eagles stars that played every minute of the back-to-back 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, the others being goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defender Calvin Bassey, and midfielder Alex Iwobi.

Before reporting for international duty, the former Arsenal U21 skipper had been struggling to overcome a recurring ankle injury that denied him from starting the Baggies' last eight games in the Championship.

Manager Jose Peseiro kept his faith in the central defender by handing him starts against the Crocodiles and Warriors despite his limited game time at West Brom over the last two months.

Corberán revealed that Ajayi returned from international duty in good health and was pleased he went the distance in the two World Cup qualifiers.

"Every scenario is different in terms of the players we have had away on international duty," he told the official webpage of West Brom.

"Semi Ajayi played 90 minutes in both of his games for Nigeria which is a real positive, especially when he hasn’t been playing for most of the minutes with our team.

"He’s has the possibility to play and he has recovered well."

Elsewhere, West Brom have been boosted by the return of Josh Maja to full training and the Super Eagles striker will be observed in the training sessions on Thursday and Friday before a decision is made on whether to include him in the squad for the visit of Ipswich Town.

Maja missed the last 10 matches played by West Brom after picking up an injury in the goalless draw at Bristol City in September.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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