'I know how high the competition is' -  Super Eagles CB Ajayi delighted to be trusted by Peseiro 

Semi Ajayi has expressed his delight upon establishing himself as one of the first names on the Super Eagles team sheet and also revealed they are ready to get the better of Ivory Coast on the second matchday of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The West Brom centre-back has become one of José Peseiro's first-choice centre-backs having failed to start just two of the last nine games.

Despite being right-footed, the 30-year-old was chosen to start at left center back ahead of Calvin Bassey, the natural fit for the position against Equatorial Guinea which is a pointer to the fact that he is highly trusted by Peseiro

Speaking to reporters in Abidjan, Ajayi said: "It is a blessing honestly just to be called into the squad is a blessing, so to also be called into the starting XI to start and play games is always something I don't take lightly."

"I know how high the competition in the squad is. Anyone who is called to play for Nigeria is a top-quality player. So, anyone that is that is asked to play in the starting XI knows they will be able to do the job.

" So, to be trusted by the coach and the nation is something I don't take lightly and I feel really blessed".

Speaking about the game against Ivory Coast, he also revealed that the  Super Eagles are ready to get their AFCON campaign on the right track against the host nation later today having failed to win their first game.

"It's going to be huge game, there is a lot of pressure on us but there is a lot of pressure on them as the host nation.

"We are really looking forward to playing this game and to put the result on Sunday right".

The former Arsenal defender is playing in his second-ever Africa Cup of Nations having made his debut in the last edition of the competition

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com