The Nigeria national team is set to be without the experience of Hull City defender Semi Ajayi when they take on Rwanda and South Africa in September’s round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches, Footynaija.com reports.
Ajayi sustained a hamstring injury in Hull City’s EFL Championship clash with Coventry City last weekend, forcing the Super Eagles defender to sit out the Carabao Cup tie against Wrexham United as a precaution.
Despite this, subsequent scans revealed more serious damage with reports suggesting that the Nigeria international is now expected to be out of action for about four to six weeks.
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Worthy of note is the fact that Ajayi has sadly endured repeated setbacks with the same problem. Recall that he was sidelined twice by hamstring issues while at West Bromwich Albion last season.
The 31-year-old defender’s struggles limited him to just 15 appearances for the Baggies and probably factored to large extent into their decision not to offer him an extended stay at the Hawthorns after the expiration of his contract.
What Semi Ajayi’s injury means for the Super Eagles
The Super Eagles are billed to face Rwanda in the first of two crucial World Cup qualification matches in about three weeks and the duration of Ajayi’s absence means national team boss Eric Chelle will be unable to rely on his experience.
This certainly comes as a huge blow for a Super Eagles side that have too often been found wanting at crucial moments, during the course of their qualifying campaign.
Nigeria will host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Saturday, September 6 and then face South Africa at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein just three days later.
Eric Chelle will be hoping the rest of his central defensive options can stay fit for these crucial fixtures as any outcome other than two victories will effectively end Nigeria’s World Cup dream.
