Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle could be without another key player for Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Tanzania after Semi Ajayi limped off during Hull City’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Saturday, Footynaija reports.
The 32-year-old defender was forced off in the 69th minute at the Emirates Stadium after appearing to suffer a muscle injury.
Ajayi had been one of Hull’s best performers, helping the visitors keep Arsenal at bay with a disciplined defensive display.
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However, he could not finish the match and was replaced by Lucas Herrington. Three minutes later, Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard scored the only goal to give the Gunners victory.
The extent of Ajayi’s injury is not yet known, with medical examinations expected to determine how long he could be out.
The timing is unfortunate for Nigeria, as Chelle had included the Hull City defender in his 24-man squad for the Tanzania double-header, which was announced earlier on Saturday.
Ajayi was expected to partner Calvin Bassey in central defence. With 59 caps, he is also Nigeria’s most experienced active centre-back.
The Super Eagles will host Tanzania in Uyo on November 13 before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return fixture on November 17.
Chelle will now have to wait for the results of Ajayi’s medical assessment before deciding whether he can join the squad. If the injury rules him out, the coach will need to call up another defender.
Ajayi’s problem comes just days after Nigeria lost Victor Osimhen to injury.
The Galatasaray striker was left out of the squad after suffering a left knee injury during his club’s Champions League match against VfB Stuttgart. He subsequently underwent arthroscopic surgery and is expected to be out for three to four weeks.
Without Osimhen, Chelle has selected Ademola Lookman, Tolu Arokodare, Taiwo Awoniyi, Akor Adams, Moses Simon and Moses Usor to lead Nigeria’s attack against Tanzania.
The Super Eagles will be hoping Ajayi’s injury is not serious, as another absence would leave Chelle with a selection headache ahead of the two qualifiers.
