Hull City of England defender, Semi Ajayi has disclosed that he will be all out to help Nigeria maintain a clean sheet during Saturday’s quarter-final clash with Algeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Sports247 gathered.
Ajayi was happy that the Eagles’ defence was able to get their first clean sheet of the tournament in Monday’s 4-0 spanking of Mozambique in the round of 16 and wants another one to quickly follow.
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He noted that it was made possible through keen understanding he has gained with Fulham centre back, Calvin Bassey, but admitted they still have to keep improving with each passing game.
The 32-year-old Ajayi, who previously played for Arsenal, Charlton Athletic, Rotherham United and West Bromwich Albion of England, added that his biggest target in Saturday’s clash with Algeria is to ensure that the Eagles do not concede any goal.
Ajayi, who scored his second Eagles’ goal in their 2-1 win over Tanzania and got his 51st cap in Monday’s game, also acknowledged that keeping a clean sheet will help Nigeria beat the team that defeated them in the AFCON 2019 semi-finals.
“As a defender, we always pride ourselves on clean sheets. So, the fact that we were able to get one was really good.
“But, there are still things we need to improve on. Luckily, the team is improving game by game, and we’re looking forward to improving again for the next game.
“Every game has got harder as the stakes get higher. The concentration needs to be higher, because each game progressively has been more difficult,” Ajayi stated.
Sports247 reports further that a clean sheet versus Algeria on Saturday would boost Nigeria’s statistics at AFCON 2025, where the Eagles are the highest scoring side with 12 goals, but they let in four before keeping out Mozambique.
