West Brom manager Carlos Corberan has admitted that Nigeria President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hosting the Super Eagles on Tuesday delayed Semi Ajayi’s return to the club after his commitments with the national team at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hosted the Super Eagles in the State House Council Chambers yesterday. In recognition of the team’s second-place performance at the Africa Cup of Nations, the players were given the renowned Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) national honor.
West Brom had hoped Ajayi would be available for selection for their Championship meeting with Cardiff City on Tuesday night but the central defender and his international teammates had to travel to Abuja due to a directive from Nigeria’s number one citizen.
Grady Diangana, an attacking midfielder, is anticipated to return to the West Midlands on Wednesday following his participation for the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
“The national teams have accomplished something significant for their nations; they have all traveled to receive from their respective presidents and to come to this place.
“We hope to have both for the upcoming game, but we have to wait on certain aspects that are out of our control. Hopefully, Friday is what I want because both of them improve our squad if they are present.”
He continued: “With Semi, he will arrive after tomorrow, let’s see, but training on Thursday is in the afternoon, probably he will train, but after that I will make a decision.”
Super Eagles’ most-used player was Ajayi.
