Semi Ajayi looks as though he is going to be away from West Brom for a while longer yet.
The centre back, who has been an important player for the Baggies for some time now, is currently away on international duty with Nigeria.
Ajayi is representing the Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations. On Wednesday night, the 30-year-old helped his country reach the final of that tournament.
In a semi-final clash with South Africa, Nigeria took the lead from the penalty spot with little more than 20 minutes remaining.
However, South Africa equalised with a penalty of their own in the final minute of normal time. That took the game to extra time, where neither side could fine a winner.
It was Nigeria though who would go through, winning 4-2 in the penalty shootout.
Although he did not take a penalty in that shootout, Ajayi still played his part in Nigeria’s success.
Semi Ajayi ‘mopped up well’ in Nigeria AFCON win
Ajayi has started all six games Nigeria have played at the tournament so far, including on Wednesday.
The West Brom defender played the full 120 minutes of normal and extra time, helping his country secure a place in Sunday’s final.
According to SofaScore, the 30-year-old made 5 tackles during the game, more than any other Nigeria player. Ajayi also won 10 out of 11 duels, making 1 interception and 1 clearance, while he was dribbled past once.
However, writing about the performance of the West Brom man in that semi-final, The Standard said:
“Allowed South Africa a little more space down the left than he’d have liked, but mopped up well when called upon.”
As a result, the publication gave him a 6/10 rating on the night.
Nigeria will now face hosts Ivory Coasts in the final of the tournament on Sunday evening.
West Brom may have mixed feelings on Nigeria making AFCON final
It is likely West Brom will see both positive and worrying aspects to Ajayi’s run to the AFCON final.
On the one hand, they will surely be pleased to see a popular member of their squad enjoying considerable success with his national team.
Indeed, they may hope that gives him confidence and momentum to build on when he returns for the Baggies’ play-off push.
However, Carlos Corberan‘s side have two games coming up in the next week, which Ajayi could now potentially.
That will be a loss, given they are short of options at centre back at the minute. Indeed, that also means they will surely be desperate to avoid the risk of injury to Ajayi while he remains away.
As a result, those associated with West Brom will likely be both interested and nervous while watching Sunday’s final.