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AFCON 2025: Semi Ajayi Reaches 50-Cap Milestone as Super Eagles Thrash Mozambique
Nigeria central defender Semi Ajayi marked a personal milestone during Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 victory over Mozambique in the round of 16 at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Ajayi—who was born in London—made his cap-tying senior debut for the three-time African champions in an AFCON qualifier against Seychelles in September 2018, coming off the bench to replace Chidozie Awaziem with 16 minutes remaining.
The 32-year-old has been a pivotal figure for Nigeria at AFCON 2025, earning the Man of the Match award in the opening group game against Tanzania, a match in which he also scored his first goal of the tournament.
After being rested for the final group-stage “dead rubber” against Uganda, Ajayi returned to the starting XI as Nigeria recorded their first clean sheet of the tournament, cruising past Mozambique in dominant fashion.
“That’s what we’ve been striving towards,” Ajayi said in the mixed zone after the match.
“As a defender, we always pride ourselves on clean sheets, so the fact that we were able to get one today was really good.”
He added that there remains room for improvement as the competition progresses.
“There are still things we need to improve on, and luckily the team is improving game by game, so we’re looking forward to improving again for the next one.”
Speaking on his defensive partnership with Calvin Bassey, Ajayi highlighted their growing understanding on the pitch.
“We’ve played a lot of games together. We understand how each other works and we’re always pushing each other to be better. We’re looking to improve again for the next game.”
Ajayi also reflected on the increasing intensity of the tournament as the knockout stages unfold.
“Every game has got harder and harder as the stakes get higher. The concentration needs to be higher, so each game progressively has been more difficult.”
Reaching 50 appearances for the Super Eagles—six years and four months after his senior debut—was a moment of pride for the defender.
“Honestly, that is a dream come true. As a young kid growing up, I never imagined getting even one cap for the Super Eagles, so to reach fifty is amazing. I’m just looking to get as many as I can.”
Ajayi played every minute as Nigeria finished runners-up at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, and the Hull City defender is now firmly focused on going one step further and lifting the trophy this time around.
