Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi, on Sunday, said the team is still hurting from missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America but noted the players are motivated to make amends at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The defender disclosed this during an interview with Peoples Gazette about the importance of the AFCON following the disappointing World Cup. He stressed that the tournament in Morocco is massive for the team and an opportunity for the players to get some revenge.

“It is massive. We are really disappointed about the World Cup,” the 32-year-old told The Gazette. “We are still hurting. But this is an opportunity to get some revenge and make amends as it may be. We are really motivated to do our best in this tournament.”

Responding to a question about the impact of former captain William Troost-Ekong’s retirement just weeks before the AFCON, Ajayi acknowledged that he would be a massive miss for the squad.

He, however, maintained that the team has enough senior players to fill the void left by the former Watford man.

“He is really going to be a massive miss for us,” the Hull City player said.

Ajayi added that he would play his part by “giving my absolute best and using my spirit to guide those around me. I just want to be myself, and there are a lot of senior players in the dressing room that can help fill that void”.

Speaking further on his personal target at the AFCON, he said, “I have not set the number of goals I want to score for myself. My aim is to keep clean sheets. My main job is to keep the ball out of the back of the net, so if we don’t concede a goal at this tournament, I will be a very happy man.”