Experienced Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi has declared that the Super Eagles are ready to go all out in their quest to win a fourth Africa Cup of Nations crown ahead of their blockbuster semi-final clash against hosts Morocco, Footynaija.com reports.
Ajayi has played a key role in Nigeria’s charge to the last four of this year’s tournament. Alongside Calvin Bassey, the Hull City man has formed a center-back pairing that looks better and better with every game.
The Super Eagles were considered as one of the top contenders, coming into the competition. After dominant wins over the likes of Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Mozambique and Algeria, they have firmly established themselves as tournament favourites.
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Having reached the final of the previous edition where they lost to host nation Ivory Coast, the clear ambition for Nigeria in this year’s tournament is to go one better than they did last time out.
“The ambition is there, the goal is the same, we know how painful it was to not go all the way the last time and we’re looking to make amends for that,” Ajayi told Footy-Africa.
“Like I said, we still got a semifinal to do it and we are really hungry, ready and focused to make sure we fulfill the ambition.
“We can always improve. No performance is perfect and whatever we need to fix we can do that on the training field before the next game”
To reach the final though, the Super Eagles once again have the tough task of dislodging the host nation in front of their home supporters. Nevertheless, Ajayi believes the team has enough experience to deal with any potential hostility.
“It will be hostile, but I think we’ve got enough experience in the group to deal with that. It was pretty much an away game with the stadium about 80% Algeria and we learnt how to do it and we’re ready for the next game.”
Eric Chelle’s charges are within touching distance of reaching back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations finals. But they will have their work cut out for them on Wednesday, January 14 at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat.
