Super Eagles’ build up to next month’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifying double header has suffered a scare following a major injury withdrawal.
Key central defender Semi Ajayi will miss the encounters against Rwanda and South Africa due to injury copped at club level.
The hamstring strain occurred during his club Hull City’s Sky Bet Championship match against Coventry City a week ago.
Initially rested for the Tigers’ Carabao Cup defeat at Wrexham United as a precaution, further scans revealed the extent of the damage.
According to Hulldailymail the 31-year-old defender will be sidelined for an estimated period of four to six weeks.
This setback marks another injury concern for Ajayi, who had previously struggled with hamstring issues.
On two occasions last season, the problem limited his appearances to just 15 during his final campaign with West Bromwich Albion.
Same injury also limited his appearance for the Super Eagles as he missed out on the team’s Africa Cup Of Nations 2025 qualifying ties against Benin Republic and Rwanda in November 2024.
He was also ruled for Nigeria’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe last March.
Ajayi returned to national team duties in Nigeria’s last three friendlies against Ghana, Jamaica and Russia last May.
In next month’s World Cup Qualifying double header, Nigeria are scheduled to host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Saturday 6 September 2025, before facing South Africa three days later at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.
Reporting By Kelechi Bernard