Semi Ajayi

Semi Ajayi: Nigerian Professional Footballer **Early Life and Education** Oluwasemilogo Adesewo Odunayo Ajayi, commonly known as Semi Ajayi, was born on November 9, 1993, in London, England. Although born in the UK, he represents Nigeria internationally through his heritage. Ajayi began his footballing education at a young age, joining the youth academy of Charlton Athletic. He progressed through their ranks before moving to other clubs to further his professional development. **Career Progression** Ajayi started his senior career in 2012 with Charlton Athletic but struggled to break into the first team. In 2013, he signed with Arsenal, initially joining their U21 side. Despite captaining the team and frequently training with the first squad, he did not make a senior appearance for the Gunners. Following loan spells at clubs like Cheltenham Town and Cardiff City, Ajayi permanently joined Rotherham United in 2017. It was at Rotherham that he established himself as a dominant center-back and occasionally played in midfield. His consistent performances earned him a reputation as one of the best defenders in the English Football League (EFL) Championship. In 2019, Ajayi moved to West Bromwich Albion (WBA) for a reported fee of £1.5 million. He was instrumental in helping WBA achieve promotion to the Premier League in his first season (2019-2020), where he became a consistent starter in the top flight. He has since been a key figure for the club in the Championship, showcasing his defensive skills, aerial threat, and ability to contribute goals. **Major Achievements and Notable Works** Ajayi's primary club achievements include securing promotion to the English Premier League with West Bromwich Albion (2020). On the international stage, he is a dedicated member of the Nigeria national football team, the Super Eagles. He made his senior international debut in 2018 and has since been a regular call-up, participating in various qualification tournaments and major competitions like the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). **Current Status** As of his latest status, Semi Ajayi remains a professional footballer for West Bromwich Albion, competing in the EFL Championship. He continues to be a central part of the Nigerian national team setup, contributing to their international campaigns and striving for success in both domestic and African football.