Semi Ajayi rounded off his international duty by helping Nigeria keep another clean in their second AFCON qualifying game on Tuesday afternoon.
Although the Super Eagles were held to a goalless draw by Rwanda at the Stade Amahoro, they head into the next round of fixtures in October top of Group D having claimed four points.
Baggies centre-back Ajayi gained another full 90 minutes in the stalemate after starting the previous 3-0 triumph over Benin, with the 30-year-old playing a pivotal role in Nigeria’s unbeaten start to the qualifying campaign.
FT in Kigali Rwanda 0-0 Nigeria
4 points from two and we go again next month. Thank you everyone for your support and see you soon. #soarsupereagles pic.twitter.com/iqG8YghpSx— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) September 10, 2024
In the UEFA Nations League, Albion midfielder Jayson Molumby was handed another start by the Republic of Ireland for their evening clash with Greece at the Aviva Stadium.
It was a disappointing night for the 25-year-old and his nation, who lost 2-0 following second-half goals from Fotis Ioannidis and Christos Tzolis.
Molumby was on for 63 minutes before being replaced by Brighton’s Evan Ferguson, and consecutive defeats in the tournament has left his country third in the League B Group 2 standings.
Foireann 💚
🇮🇪 0-0 🇬🇷 pic.twitter.com/fp7uHm25d5— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) September 10, 2024
Lastly, Ousmane Diakité was an unused substitute for Mali’s final AFCON qualifier against Eswatini.
It was a positive finish, too, as Tottenham’s Yves Bissouma scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 win, meaning Diakite’s nation matched Ajayi’s Nigeria in acquiring four points over their two September fixtures after drawing their first match 1-1 with group leaders Mozambique.
The result leaves the Eagles second in Group I and level on points with top spot, and despite not featuring following his maiden call-up to the men’s team, Ousmane will hope to make his senior bow during the next international break.
