Nigeria defender Semi Ajayi has described his involvement at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco as the realisation of a lifelong dream, as the Super Eagles continue their quest for continental glory.

The Hull City centre-back has been one of Nigeria’s most reliable performers in the tournament so far, featuring in three of the Super Eagles’ four matches.

Alongside Fulham defender Calvin Bassey, Ajayi has built a formidable partnership that has played a key role in Nigeria’s progress to the knockout stages.

Their understanding at the heart of defence was on full display in Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 victory over Mozambique, which produced the Super Eagles’ first clean sheet of the competition.

Speaking exclusively to Sports Talk ahead of Nigeria’s quarter-final clash against Algeria, Ajayi admitted that representing the Super Eagles on Africa’s biggest stage still feels surreal.

Born in England, Ajayi grew up with dreams of becoming a professional footballer—but he never imagined reaching this level with Nigeria.

“Honestly, it’s a dream come true,” Ajayi told Sports Talk Florida. “As a young kid growing up, I never even imagined getting one cap for the Super Eagles. Now I just want to get as many as I can.”

The 31-year-old defender has become a vital figure in the squad, and AFCON 2025 marks another important chapter in his international journey.

Ajayi was also part of Nigeria’s squad at AFCON 2023, where the Super Eagles finished runners-up after losing to Cote d’Ivoire in the final.

That disappointment, however, has only strengthened his desire to go one step further this time.

Building a Rock-Solid Defence with Calvin Bassey

One of Nigeria’s biggest strengths at AFCON 2025 has been its defensive organisation, and much of that stability comes from the growing chemistry between Ajayi and Calvin Bassey.

The two centre-backs complement each other well, with Ajayi bringing positional discipline and aerial dominance, while Bassey offers aggression and ball-playing ability.

Together, they have become one of the tournament’s most effective defensive pairings.

“We are improving game by game,” Ajayi continued. “We’ve played a lot of games together, and we have a good understanding of how each other works.

“We’re always pushing each other to be better.”

Their partnership reached a new level in the dominant win over Mozambique, where Nigeria kept a clean sheet while scoring four goals.

It was indeed a performance that underlined Nigeria’s credentials as genuine AFCON title contenders.

“Today was an improvement, and we’re looking to improve again for the next game,” Ajayi added.

When asked to name the toughest opponent Nigeria have faced so far, Ajayi refused to single out one team, stressing that every match has required full focus and commitment.

“Every game gets harder and harder,” the Hull City star said. “The stakes get higher and higher. The concentration needs to be higher and higher.”

Nigeria’s next challenge comes in the form of Algeria and with a place in the semi-finals on the line, Ajayi’s defensive prowess will be crucial in deciding Nigeria’s progress as they aim for a fourth AFCON trophy.

The Tampa Bay Rays have officially ended their deal with Main Street Sports, the operator of the FanDuel Sports Network regional channels. The decision follows weeks of financial turmoil, missed payments, and the collapse of Main Street’s proposed sale to DAZN.

Sports Talk Florida – More Florida Sports

The Rays were the final MLB team still aligned with Main Street. Every other club tied to the network had already opted out or prepared to leave. The Rays made their move after receiving confirmation that the DAZN deal was dead.

According to Sports Business Journal reporting summarized by MLB Trade Rumors, the DAZN negotiations “are all but extinguished.” That left the Rays with no viable long‑term broadcast partner under the Main Street umbrella.

Why the Rays Chose to Exit Now

The Rays monitored the situation closely as Main Street’s financial position deteriorated. AP and ESPN reported that nine MLB teams entered 2026 under Main Street contracts. Eight teams terminated their deals earlier this week.

The Rays waited for clarity on the DAZN sale before making their decision. Once the deal collapsed, the Rays determined that staying with Main Street was no longer sustainable.

The club also reviewed the terms DAZN proposed to teams. SBJ reported that DAZN sought a 20 percent rights‑fee reduction, deferred payments into late 2026, and a 50‑50 profit share for next season. Teams rejected those terms, causing the deal to fall apart.

With no buyer in place, the Rays chose to exit.

Manfred: “Fans Will Not Lose Games”

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred addressed the situation in comments reported by AP and ESPN. “We will not allow fans to lose games,” Manfred said. He emphasized that MLB is prepared to “step in immediately” to protect local broadcasts.

Manfred also said MLB has “contingency plans for every affected market,” including Tampa Bay. He stressed that MLB’s priority is “stability and access for fans.”

Rays Likely Headed to MLB.TV and a Local Broadcast Partner

With Main Street collapsing, the Rays are expected to land on MLB.TV and a local over‑the‑air broadcast partner. ESPN reported that MLB has already begun discussions with local stations in multiple markets.

WUSF/AP noted that MLB used a similar model when the Padres and Diamondbacks lost their RSN partners in 2023. The league produced the broadcasts and distributed them through MLB.TV and local affiliates.

The Rays expect a similar arrangement for 2026.

Could the Rays Return to Main Street? Unlikely

Main Street has told teams that Fubo entered late‑stage talks to buy the company. However, ESPN reported that industry sources “do not believe Fubo is a credible bidder.”

AP described the situation as “chaotic and deteriorating by the hour.” The Rays view a return to Main Street as highly unlikely.

Rays Move Forward With MLB Support

The Rays now join the other eight MLB teams that have left Main Street. MLB will guide the club through the transition and ensure fans continue to receive every game.

As Manfred told AP: “Fans will see their games. That is our commitment.”

Let ’em Run – Late P5 Preview at Gulfstream Park, Sponsored by BRISnet

Well let’s ride again here at Gulfstream Park, where it is sure to be fast and firm, and we will take a look at the runners in the late P5. Interesting to point out right off the bat, trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. has 4 horses running, but has given only one mount to his “go to” guy, Edgar Zayas Jr., and it is also his ONLY mount of the day (Race 11) hmmmm…

Gulfstream Park Race 7 – 3:20 EST | 5 ½ Furlongs | Synthetic | CLM25K

A synthetic sprint race, with a smallish field of 7, but a tough race to figure out. Going to go with one of several invaders from Woodbine, #3 Moon Landing 6-1. Jockey Tyler Gaffalione is in the saddle, and trainer Martin Drexler is overdue to hit the winners circle (5-0-2-2). A clean break would seal the deal. The #5 Catch a Tiger 8-1 could make some noise right out of the gate if runner takes to synthetic after a number of turf attempts. Jockey Micah Husbands adds to the appeal as does trainer Steve Owens record, off this kind of layoff (30%). Also has the highest last race speed rating per Brisnet, which adds to the appeal.

Race 8 – 3:50 EST | 1 1/16 Mile | Dirt | MSW 84K

This is a LOADED MSW race with only one 1st time starter. The #7 Cruisin Crossbay 10-1, did not do much 1st time out, but working out super for the return. Jockey Micah Husbands and trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. team up for a lot of wins. Trainer Joseph boasts a 35% sprint to route on dirt, for the 2nd start of a runner… gotta like that stat. Taking a look at #2 Lennie G 20-1 for trainer Dale Romans, who is heating up here at Gulfstream. An interesting stat when going from Maiden Claiming to MSW is a 26% strike rate for Romans. Not that a 100K Maiden Claiming at Churchill is your average claiming event.

Race 9 – 4:20 EST | 5 Furlongs | Turf | OC62K

Would like to see some scratches help the #8 Vindicate Cha Cha 8-1 get a little closer to the rail for the quick run into the 1st turn in this turf sprint. Jockey change to Javier Castellano is a plus. Runner can put up some serious fractions, but hoping here that some maturity in her 5 y.o. campaign allows Castellano to dole out the speed a little better. Either way, she will be prominent on the front end from the start. #4 Greenfield Cougar 4-1 is a runner who would benefit if there are crazy early splits put up. If jockey Joe Bravo gets her out of the gate cleanly, could set up for a big closing kick in the stretch.

Race 10 – 4:50 EST | 1 1/16 | Dirt | The Sunshine Classic 75K

First of two stakes races to close out Saturdays’ card, with a small field of six, headed by #6 Neoequos 3-1, who has been keeping serious company since running in the Kentucky Derby back in May. Could see a lonely lead out front for this runner, and workouts for return say that is a real possibility. The Brisnet #1 Prime Power at +7 points adds to the appeal, but what will likely be a very short price. The #5 Lightning Tones 5-2, will be coming hard down the lane, and race 3 back would fit nicely here. Change to jockey Jose Morelos is a plus in a route race.

Race 11 – 5:20 EST | 1 Mile | Turf | The Sunshine Filly and Mare Turf 75K

The ultra consistent runner #7 Ashima 3-1, is posed for a big run as defending champ. Third off a layoff, and trainer Salvatore Santoro has her ready to fire. Versatile sort, will give jockey Javier Castellano options. Trainer Santoro has some serious stats to back up top pick. So….this is Edgar Zayas only mount of the day, on a runner with the least racing experience in the field, the #5 Sapphire Girl 15-1, for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. Last time out was 1st time on turf, and looked super breaking maiden, but stepping up here first time with winners. Got some time off after that victory, but is working out without missing a beat.

Late Pick 5 Ticket (before scratches)

P5 Ticket (before scratches) 2,3,5,7 / 1,2,7,9 / 4,8 / 6 / 1,3,5,6,7,11 = $96

Programming Note and Sign-Off

Welcome to our new show sponsor, BRISnet.com.

So tune in Friday at 3PM with special guest John O’Hara, Managing Partner of Four Leaf Clover Stable, LLC. Host John Kostin will have a lively Q. and A., with some new perspectives on the state of thoroughbred horseracing. Then check out Podcast on Saturday at 12:30 where we break down the Late P5 at Gulfstream Park.

So catch us on multiple streaming apps, and social channels. So bet smart, cheer hard, fast horses equal serious fun, until next time…Let’em Run.

Oh yeah…GO PANTHERS !!!