Ajayi talks up West Brom’s progress under manager Corberan

Nigeria defender Semi Ajayi insists the Baggies are playing with plenty of confidence under manager Carlos Corberán.

Ajayi made a goalscoring return from injury to clinch victory over Hull City on Saturday.

The 29-year-old missed the Baggies previous two games due to injury but returned in style netting Albion’s third goal to wrap the points at The Hawthorns.

The centre-back insisted that the impressive performance especially in the second half showed how far they can go this season.

“It’s been really good to be back with the boys and more importantly to contribute to a win,” Ajayi told the club’s official website.

“I’m really delighted, the boys put in a really good shift today, so I’m delighted.

“I thought it was really resilient. There were times where we had to dig in, they had spells where they were on top but I think the shape and the resilience from the boys was excellent to ride through the waves.

“We managed to capitalise on our spells when we were on top and managed to kill the game off, so it was a really good performance all-round.

“To be fair, I wasn’t in there at half-time, I was out getting warmed up, getting myself ready because I knew Barts was struggling a little bit. So I was out on the pitch doing what I needed to do to make sure I was ready if and when I was called upon.

“I’m sure the gaffer just told the boys where they were going wrong and little fine tunings here and there and it seems like the boys took it on board, because the second half was a lot better.

“There’s been confidence from the first day of the season, we’re very much aware of the capabilities in that dressing room.

“We’ve got full belief in the gaffer as well. Now it’s just about putting the performances together, the team’s gelling well.

“We’re starting to welcome a few players back from injury, and more after the international break. I’m sure there will be a few more, so the squad’s in a really good place.”

Ajayi has scored twice for West Brom this season.

The former Rotherham United player is expected to be named in Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

He has featured regularly under Portuguese manager, Jose Peseiro.