The in-form defender will hope to guide his country through on Monday night
Barry Cooper Hull City correspondent
05:00, 05 Jan 2026
Semi Ajayi (R) celebrates his goal against Tanzania at the Fez Stadium on December 23(Image: Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP via Getty Images)
Semi Ajayi is relishing Monday night’s showdown with Mozambique in the Africa Cup of Nations last-16 match at the Fez Stadium in Morocco as the Super Eagles look to make it through to the quarter-finals.
Nigeria eased through their qualifying campaign with three wins from three against Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda to set up the knockout clash with Ajayi playing a pivotal role in helping his country overcome the disappointment of missing out on qualification for next summer’s World Cup.
The Hull City defender played 90 minutes in the first two matches of the competition and also scored the opening goal in the 2-1 win over Tanzania in the opener, before being rested for the final outing on Tuesday, but will expect to return against Mozambique as they look to add to their four wins and one draw against their opponents.
“It’s been good. A really good start for the group stages, and now we’re looking forward to the knockout round,” Ajayi said in conversation with Ademola Victor TV.
“Yeah, it’s really good. It shows the strength and depth that we have.
“We were able to give some debuts to some new players and also some players who haven’t had minutes yet in this tournament, and everyone did really well. It’s really good for the team.
“I feel great. I am really raring to go. I am looking forward to it.”
Should Nigeria go the distance in the tournament, Ajayi will continue to be away from the MKM Stadium until at least January 18, when the final of the competition takes place.
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