Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi has suffered another hamstring injury setback, ruling him out of Nigeria’s vital 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa next month, Afrosport reports.
The Hull City defender picked up the injury during Saturday’s goalless draw with Coventry City, later confirmed by medical tests as a hamstring tear, the third in just nine months. Ajayi is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks.
This latest blow is a major concern for Super Eagles head coach Eric Sekhou Chelle, who is already dealing with injury doubts over striker Cyriel Dessers ahead of September’s must-win fixtures.
Ajayi’s hamstring issues began in November while at West Bromwich Albion, with a recurrence in February during his recovery.
The 31-year-old centre-back’s ongoing fitness troubles come at a time when Nigeria can’t afford to slip up in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Despite the setback, Chelle who is leading the Super Eagles B team at the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) will be hopeful that other players will come to the party and secure a place at the 2026 World Cup, with four matches left to play.
The Super Eagles will return to action on 6 September against Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, before heading to Bloemfontein on 9 September to take on South Africa.
