AFCON 2023: Semi Ajayi Explains the Secret to Nigeria’s Success in Ivory Coast

• Nigeria are one of the best performers at the 2023 AFCON
• They have won all but one of their games so far in Ivory Coast
• Super Eagles star Semi Ajayi explained why they are so good

Nigeria are having a great 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Ivory Coast.

They are in the semi-finals and have produced convincing performances throughout the tournament.

Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi feels they have been so good because of the depth of their squad.

The Super Eagles have won four games and drawn one of their games so far in Ivory Coast. Their performances have not been entirely eye-catching, but they are getting the job done.

They've conceded just once throughout the tournament. That goal came in the opening game against Equatorial Guinea. Few teams have threatened their defence at the tournament.

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Defender Semi Ajayi has been part of the defence that has kept four clean sheets. He says they are good because of the depth of their squad.

“I think the beauty of this team is that we’ve got so many weapons,” Ajayi said. “You can’t put all your attention on one person because we have so many people who are capable of creating and scoring," via Soccernet.ng.

Ajayi added that his team are looking to lift the trophy on Sunday.

“We’re not done yet. We’ve still got another game on Wednesday and hopefully another game on Sunday."

Nigeria face South Africa in the semi-final. The three-time AFCON champions eliminated Bafana Bafana in the 2000 and 2019 AFCON, per Afrik Foot.

Nigeria vs South Africa preview

Sports Brief also previewed the Nigeria vs South Africa semi-final showdown set for Wednesday, February 7.

The Super Eagles are yet to lose in this year's AFCON, registering two wins and a draw in the group stage before beating Cameroon and Angola in the knockout rounds.

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Meanwhile, South Africa recorded a win, a draw and a loss in the group stages before beating Morocco in the last 16.

Nigeria eliminated South Africa in the 2019 AFCON.

John Mikel Obi predicts AFCON finalist

In another report, Sports Brief reported that former Nigeria midfielder, John Obi Mikel, predicted his finalists for the AFCON in the Ivory Coast.

The 37-year-old predicted a showdown between Nigeria and the host nation, Ivory Coast.

The Chelsea legend noted the renewed vigour of the Elephants and suggested that they could overcome DR Congo in the semi-final to secure their spot in the championship match.