West Brom boss admits President Tinubu hosting the Super Eagles delayed Ajayi's return from AFCON duty

West Brom manager Carlos Corberan has admitted that Nigeria President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hosting the Super Eagles on Tuesday delayed Semi Ajayi's return to the club after his commitments with the national team at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Super Eagles were at the State House Council Chambers yesterday and hosted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who awarded the players the prestigious Member of the Order of the Niger(MON) national honour for their second place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations.

West Brom had hoped Ajayi would be available for selection for their Championship meeting with Cardiff City on Tuesday night but the central defender and his international teammates had to travel to Abuja due to a directive from Nigeria's number one citizen.

The former Arsenal U21 skipper will be assessed by Corberan during Thursday's final training session to determine whether he will participate in Friday's huge clash against Joe Aribo's Southampton. 

Attacking midfielder Grady Diangana is expected back in the West Midlands on Wednesday after representing Democratic Republic of Congo at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

In quotes relayed by Shropshire Star, Carlos Corberan said after Tuesday's win versus Cardiff City: "I wanted to involve both, if you ask me.

"The national teams have made something important for their countries, they have each travelled to their countries to receive (from) the presidents of their countries and to travel here.

"We want both for the next game but there are things we cannot control and we need to wait. I want (for Friday), hopefully yes, because if both are here both strengthen our squad."

He added: "With Semi, he will arrive after tomorrow, let's see, but training on Thursday is in the afternoon, probably he will train, but after that I will make a decision."

Ajayi was the most used Super Eagles player at the recently concluded tournament in Ivory Coast, logging 660 minutes spread across seven matches. 

The 30-year-old has played in eighteen games for the Baggies this season, scoring two goals. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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