Ajayi wins fans back after World Cup heartbreak

Nigerian football fans have forgiven Semi Ajayi for his crucial penalty miss against DR Congo in the World Cup play-offs after the defender scored the opening goal in the Super Eagles’ 2-1 victory over Tanzania at AFCON 2025, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Ajayi rose highest to head home Alex Iwobi’s corner in the 36th minute at the Complexe Sportif de Fes on Tuesday, becoming the first Nigerian player to score at the tournament and earning the Man of the Match award.

The goal sparked an outpouring of support on social media platform X, with fans declaring the 32-year-old had redeemed himself following his missed penalty that contributed to Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Yūsuf Akínpèlú wrote, “Semi Ajayi banishes the ghost of his penalty shootout miss in the World Cup qualifiers to give Nigeria the lead against Tanzania with a towering header from Iwobi’s cross.”

Another user, @asquare, echoed the sentiments, saying, “Semi Ajayi just redeemed himself after the World Cup penalty.”

Oyiga Micheal added, “Semi Ajayi missed the penalty that ruined our World Cup qualification chances, and now Semi Ajayi scores our first goal at the AFCON. Thank you, Jesus!”

One fan (@54footballx) summarised the redemption arc writing, “Missed a crucial penalty against DR Congo in the World Cup play-offs. Scored Nigeria’s opening goal at the 2025 African Cup of Nations.

“Semi Ajayi turns pain into fuel to deliver for Nigeria.”

Esegbona Luis posted, “Imagine scoring the first goal for your team in the AFCON. He is officially the first Nigerian player to score in the AFCON 2025.

“Nigeria might not have qualified for the World Cup, but be careful, they’ll win the AFCON. Congratulations, STAR BOY.”

Speaking after the match, Ajayi expressed delight at his contribution while acknowledging areas for improvement.

“It is an amazing feeling. It is always special to score for your country, especially in a game like this, where it helped us get off to a really good start. I was very pleased,” the Hull City defender said.

Beyond his goal, Ajayi delivered a commanding defensive display, completing five tackles, making two interceptions, winning all six duels—three on the ground and three in the air—and maintaining a 91 per cent pass completion rate.

“It shows that we are one team. We cannot rely only on the attackers to score goals. We need contributions from all over the pitch. Defenders and midfielders also have to chip in if we want to do well in the tournament,” he stated.

Nigeria face Tunisia on Saturday in their next Group C fixture as they chase a fourth AFCON title.