Nigeria’s hopes of securing a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been dealt a blow, as defender Semi Ajayi will play no part in the decisive playoff tie against Gabon, Footynaija.com reports.
The Super Eagles, who recently brushed aside Benin Republic 4-0 under Eric Chelle, will now have to make defensive adjustments as they chase qualification for the global showpiece.
Since the Malian took charge of the Super Eagles, Semi Ajayi has been one of the players the new coach has continued to trust, even through difficult spells with injuries.
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The Hull City defender, who once featured for Arsenal’s youth team before building his career in England, battled hamstring problems in early 2025, forcing him out of fixtures against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
But when Nigeria regrouped for the October qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic, Chelle wasted no time bringing him back. Before this time, the 31-year-old had reportedly played only eight minutes of club football after his recovery, yet still made Chelle’s list.
Known for his aerial strength and composure on the ball, his absence comes at a time when consistency at the back has been one of Nigeria’s biggest assets.
However, as revealed in another report by Daily Post, FIFA has now confirmed that Ajayi will serve a one-match suspension after accumulating two yellow cards during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The centre-back was booked in the 55th minute during Nigeria’s recent 4-0 win over Benin Republic after a challenge on goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbe. That caution followed an earlier booking against Lesotho on November 16, 2023, in the opening match of the qualifying campaign.
With the playoff against Gabon set to be a single-leg fixture, Ajayi’s absence leaves Chelle with a major selection headache.
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