Junior Ajayi Delighted with CAF Team of the Year Selection, Sets Sights on World Cup

Al Ahly’s prolific forward, Junior Ajayi, expresses joy and gratitude for securing a spot in the 2017 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Team of the Year. The Nigerian striker, who recently celebrated his wedding to Tamilore Tawakalat Salami in Lagos, emerged victorious in the offensive midfield category, outshining prominent players such as Liverpool’s Saido Mane and Algeria’s Yacine Brahimi.

Ajayi, a former player for Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan, garnered 64% of the votes, totaling 7,261, while Mane and Brahimi secured 20% and 15%, respectively. The 21-year-old footballer acknowledges the significance of this achievement, expressing gratitude to the fans who played a crucial role in his selection.

“I want to start by thanking the fans who voted for me. It’s a big honour to be named in the CAF team of the year ahead of some established stars in the continent,” Ajayi conveyed to Completesportsnigeria.com.

This recognition comes as a source of inspiration for Ajayi, fueling his determination to further excel on the pitch. With the 2018 World Cup in Russia on the horizon, the talented forward sets his sights on securing a coveted spot in Nigeria’s squad for the global tournament.

“The World Cup is coming up next year in Russia, and it will be great to be part of the team. I will keep working hard, and hopefully, the recognition will come at the end of the day,” Ajayi affirmed.

Having been a crucial part of Nigeria’s U-23 team that clinched the African title in Senegal in 2015 and secured a bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Ajayi’s aspiration for World Cup participation reflects his continuous commitment to achieving excellence on the international stage.