The Super Eagles have suffered a major defensive blow ahead of their all-important 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month.
West Bromwich Albion center-back Semi Ajayi is set to be on the sidelines for several weeks and is as a result ruled out of the crucial fixtures after picking up a hamstring injury in the first half of the Baggies’ EFL Championship victory over Oxford United.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is now left with a selection headache at the heart of his defensive line ahead of these must-win games as the Franco-Malian must decide on a suitable replacement for Ajayi.
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While the gaffer ponders his options, Footynaija.com presents three players, who could potentially replace Ajayi in the Super Eagles setup.
3. Leon Balogun
Balogun used to be a vital part of Nigeria’s men’s national team, having formed the famous “oyinbo wall” with current Super Eagles skipper William Troost-Ekong between 2014 and 2022.
What the 36-year-old defender lacks in youthfulness, he adequately makes up for with his vast experience in the game. Balogun’s desire to get back into the international team setup is also well known with the Rangers defender, coming out to debunk rumours of his retirement earlier this year.
I’m still available to play for Super Eagles — Leon Balogun pic.twitter.com/xoRhkDFQGw
— Naija (@Naija_PR) January 21, 2025
While he currently isn’t seeing regular game time in the Scottish Premiership, Balogun has looked decent when he’s been on the pitch and he remains a dependable option for Nigeria.
2. Kevin Akpoguma
Having represented Germany at youth level, Akpoguma switched allegiance to Nigeria in 2020 and made his Super Eagles debut that same year in a friendly 1-0 defeat to Algeria. Since then, he has earned another five caps albeit, his last appearance came in 2023.
Akpoguma is currently having a decent season at struggling Bundesliga side Hoffenheim, establishing himself as one of their standout performers in what has been a very challenging season.
The versatile 29-year-old is capable of playing at center-back and full-back. This could come in handy for Chelle’s Super Eagles in terms of making tactical adjustments during games.
1. Tosin Adarabioyo
Adarabioyo is the only player on our list without any prior history in the Super Eagles setup. The Chelsea defender is eligible to play for Nigeria despite representing England at various youth levels. He has been on the radar of the West African nation for a while now but no solid progress has been made on that front.
5 Reasons Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle Should Convince Chelsea Trio To Play for Nigeria
— Macro Mentor (@MacroMentor) February 16, 2025
Chelsea stars Tosin Adarabioyo, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Lesley Ugochukwu are being considered for future Super Eagles invites as Eric Chelle continues to rebuild. pic.twitter.com/YmTAGTCdxy
The 27-year-old would be the ideal replacement for Ajayi given his experience playing for one of the biggest teams in the Premier League. Adarabioyo has shown his quality at Stamford Bridge, excelling in his defensive duties for the Blues.
The former Fulham defender has registered four goals and assists this season, bringing to light the offensive side to his game. Getting Adarabioyo to switch allegiance and represent the Super Eagles will be a massive boost for Nigeria’s backline in the long term.
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