Nigeria defender Semi Ajayi believes their “statement” win over Algeria in the AFCON 2025 quarter finals will put them in a good position when they take on tournament hosts Morocco in the semi finals on Wednesday afternoon.

Ajayi, who has made 52 appearances for Nigeria since his debut in 2018, has been a key cog in the defence en-route to the semis. The Super Eagles are hungry to make the finals for the second time in a row. They made the 2023 final in Ivory Coast, only to fall short to the hosts.

Speaking to the media following their 2-0 win over Algeria, Ajayi explained how difficult the journey has been getting to this stage of the AFCON competition:

“Every game at the AFCON has been difficult. There is no easy game so we are not taking any game lightly,” the former Arsenal academy product said.

“Every game we’ve improved gradually and we will be looking to take another step forward in the next one.”

Nigeria have been dominant en route to the semis. They beat Tanzania 2-1 in the opening game, before  edging out Tunisia 3-2 in the second game.

The 2013 AFCON winners then beat Uganda 3-1 in their final game to seal first place in their group. In the round of 16, they easily trounced Mozambique 4-0, before overcoming Algeria in the quarters, with Victor Osimhen particularly inspirational.

They have now avoided conceding in the last two games, which will be the ultimate target against Morocco. The 2022 World Cup semi-finalists have also been firing on all cylinders, with Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi particularly prolific.

For Ajayi, a towering stopper, that will be part of the task on Wednesday.

“As defenders, we pride ourselves on clean sheets. We are glad to get two in a row.There are things we could be still dominant and ruthless in but we will be looking to get it right in the next game.”

Going unbeaten throughout will certainly give Nigeria the courage they need if they are to make the AFCON 2025 semi finals.


“It brings confidence of course. A win like this is a real statement and reinforced the confidence we have in ourselves,” Ajayi concluded.

Nigeria will be hoping they can win the tournament for the fourth time in their history. Their recent semi-final achievement means they have now made that stage 17 times, a record in AFCON history.