NFF, WEST BROM CELEBRATE SEMI AJAYI AT 30

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Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Championship club West Bromwich Albion, have joined the rest of the world to celebrate the birthday of Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi who turned 30 on Thursday.

The Baggies sent their greetings via their X handle. “Wishing a very happy 30th birthday to @SemiAjayi! 🎂.

The NFF wrote on X: “Happy birthday to our own @SemiAjayi🥂🎂.”

Ajayi began his football career as a youth product of the Charlton Athletic academy.

After progressing through the Charlton Athletic ranks, he was offered his first professional contract in January 2012.

He joined the Arsenal Academy on a two-year deal after impressing as a trialist with the club in September 2013.

Ajayi made his Arsenal U21 debut as a trialist against Blackburn Rovers on 30 August 2013, scoring with a header, in a 3–0 win.

The defender, who first figured for Arsenal’s senior team in a friendly against Boreham Wood, made the Arsenal bench four times during the 2014–15 season.

He was an unused substitute in games against Hull City, Stoke City and Newcastle in the Premier League, as well as in the home League Cup defeat by Southampton.

On 20 July 2019, Ajayi signed for West Bromwich Albion for an undisclosed fee, agreeing a four-year contract with the club.

Then on 27 December 2020, Ajayi scored his first Premier League goal for Albion in a 1–1 away draw against champions Liverpool.

At the end of May 2013, Ajayi was called up to the Nigeria U20 squad for their 2013 Toulon Tournament.

Ajayi received his first call up to the Super Eagles in August 2018 for 2019 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers, he described it as a “dream” call up.

He made his debut against Seychelles in the 2019 Nation cup qualifiers, coming on for the injured Chidozie Awaziem in the 73rd minute.