The Super Eagles of Nigeria will be without defender Semi Ajayi in next month’s qualifying fixtures for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Afrosport reports.
Ajayi will miss Nigeria’s crucial games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, having sustained a hamstring injury while playing for English club West Bromwich Albion last Saturday.
The 31-year-old, who recently returned from a lengthy injury layoff, was subbed off in the 41st minute during West Brom’s 2-0 win against Oxford United at the Hawthorns.
“Albion can confirm Semi Ajayi will be sidelined for several weeks after suffering a hamstring injury,” a statement from the club website read.
“The central defender came off in the 41st minute during last weekend’s 2-0 win against Oxford United.
“He will now enter a period of rehabilitation and will target a return before the season’s conclusion. Everyone at the club wishes Semi a speedy recovery.”
Ajayi’s injury is a huge setback for both West Brom and the Super Eagles, who must win the two games in next month’s qualifiers to boost their chances of securing a place in the 2026 World Cup.
The Super Eagles are currently fifth in Group C, with just three points from their opening four matches. They, however, sit four points behind Rwanda, who occupy the top spot in the group.
The Nigeria international has played 14 matches in the Championship for the Baggies this season, and manager Tony Mowbray says it is “frustrating” to lose him to another injury.
“It’s disappointing for him, frustrating for him and for us,” Mowbray said at his pre-match conference on Friday ahead of West Brom’s clash against Leeds United. “He’s got all the qualities to be a really talented player.
“He has got real confidence in his mobility to defend so it allows us to play a higher line and try and keep the opposition away from our goal.
“He will be a loss. A blow to us but we wish him a speedy recovery and we will get on with it with the fit players. We have to push on.”
The Super Eagles, led by newly-appointed head coach Eric Chelle, will head to Kigali to take on Rwanda on 21 March, before hosting Zimbabwe four days later in Uyo.
