AFCON 2023: Nigeria’s Semi Ajayi issues warning to South Africa, Cape Verde after Angola win – “We’ll be ready”

The Super Eagles overcame the Palancas Negras in Abidjan on Friday and will know their next opponents today, Saturday

Nigeria defender Semi Ajayi is confident the Super Eagles will be ready to slug it out with whichever nation made it to the semifinals between Cape Verde and South Africa, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria, on Friday, advanced to the semifinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations following a tough 1-0 victory against Angola’s Palancas Negras.

Ademola Lookman scored Nigeria’s only goal in the 36th minute of the clash after combining excellently with Moses Simon.

South Africa and Cape Verde will trade tackles at the Stade Charles Konan Banny later tonight (Saturday, February 3), with the winner set to face Nigeria in the semifinals.

Ajayi, who has featured in all of Nigeria’s games at the AFCON, respects both South Africa and Cape Verde but insists Nigeria fear none of the two nations.

The West Brom defender is convinced that the Super Eagles will come out on top against any of the teams, and he has warned Nigeria’s next opponents that Jose Peseiro’s men will be ready for the challenge.

“It doesn’t matter who we are playing with,” Ajayi said after the game against Angola.

“It is a game of 11 men against 11 men. We just need to come out on top. Whether we are the number one seed or not, it doesn’t matter. We’ll be ready for the challenge.

“The target is to go all the way, but we are not looking too far ahead. We are only looking at Wednesday (semifinal clash). That’s it.”

Ajayi has been a key part of Nigeria’s excellent defensive setup.

The Super Eagles have not conceded in four straight matches at the AFCON, shipping only one goal in five games.

And the former Arsenal lad believes keeping it right at the back was the key to beating a good Angolan side in the quarterfinals.

“It was good,” Ajayi added. “It was a tight game. They (Angola) gave us a good game, but defensively we were solid again.

“And that gave us the platform to go on and get the win.”

Nigeria have won the AFCON trophy three times, and the Super Eagles are now two wins away from claiming a fourth continental honour.