Semi Ajayi: Super Eagles star celebrates 30 in style

Semi Ajayi, a defender for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, turned 30 on Thursday, November 9, 2023.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Championship club West Bromwich Albion have extended birthday wishes to Semi.

West Brom wrote, “Wishing a very happy 30th birthday to @SemiAjayi! 🎂.

“Have a great day, Semi! 🥳.”

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

Super Eagles stars Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and William Troost Ekong, Ademola Lookman all wished Semi AJayi a happy birthday.

Ajayi attended the Charlton Athletic Academy as a young player before starting his football career.

In January 2012, after rising through the ranks of Charlton Athletic, he received an offer for his first professional contract.

In September 2013, he made an impression on the club as a trialist and signed a two-year contract to join the Arsenal Academy.

On August 30, 2013, Ajayi made his Arsenal U21 debut as a trialist against Blackburn Rovers, scoring a header in a 3-0 victory.

The defender had four appearances on Arsenal's bench during the 2014–15 season.

Ajayi agreed to a four-year contract with West Bromwich Albion on July 20, 2019, for an undisclosed sum.

Ajayi then scored his first Premier League goal for Albion on December 27, 2020, in a 1-1 away tie with champion Liverpool.

Ajayi was called up to the Nigeria U20 team for the 2013 Toulon Tournament at the end of May 2013.

In August 2018, Ajayi was called up for the first time to the Super Eagles for the 2019 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers.

In the 73rd minute of the 2019 Nation Cup qualifications, he replaced the injured Chidozie Awaziem to make his debut against Seychelles.