We're driven by last AFCON pain ahead of Morocco semi-final, Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi

Hull City defender Semi Ajayi has revealed the unified mindset powering Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, following a composed 2–0 quarter-final victory over Algeria.

The win sets up a semi-final clash against host nation Morocco, and Ajayi explained that the team’s painful near-miss at the last tournament has forged a shared, determined purpose.

“The goal is the same,” Ajayi said. “We know how painful it was to not go all the way last time, and we’re looking to make amends for that.”

While confident after a controlled and dominant performance against Algeria, Ajayi stressed the need to raise their level again.

He balanced optimism with respect for the upcoming challenge, noting, “We won our A game today, and we’re definitely going to need it again.”

He believes the intense, pro-Algerian atmosphere during the quarter-final—which he estimated filled 80% of the stadium—has prepared the experienced squad for the hostile environment they will face against Morocco.

Despite the convincing result, Ajayi insisted the team is not satisfied, highlighting areas for improvement.

“No performance is perfect. There are some details we can iron out… Maybe scoring more goals,” he added, keeping specific tactics private.

Nigeria now prepares for an explosive semi-final, focused on securing a place in the final and correcting the disappointment of their previous AFCON campaign.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled: Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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