'Ajayi is doing a great work at the back' - Former Nigeria coach celebrates Super Eagles unsung hero 

Former Nigeria coach and 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner, Sunday Oliseh has insisted that Semi Ajayi has been a significant player for the Super Eagles from a tactical perspective at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations although he has not earned enough plaudits for his performances in Ivory Coast. 

The West Brom central defender is the only player in the Super Eagles squad to have played every single minute for the national team at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, helping them post four consecutive clean sheet. 

Manager Jose Peseiro has utilized a back three in the last four matches with Ajayi partnered in defence by William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey and it's the team's defensive solidity that has been key to reaching the semifinals of the AFCON. 

At least seven players are committed to defensive work including Ola Aina, Zaidu Sanusi, Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi  when the Super Eagles are out of possession. 

Speaking to Channels Sports on Sunday, Oliseh said: "People are forgetting that Ajayi is doing a great work at the back. The man is quiet but he's doing his job. 

"What we are doing so well is the compactness and the players in the midfield, the central defensive midfielders that are winning the ball are making it impossible for the opponents to attack our central defence.

"These are players that are really helping Nigerians to excel."

Ajayi celebrated his first goal at the Africa Cup of Nations last weekend against Cameroon, only to see his poacher's strike chalked off for offside after a VAR check.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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