Blow for Nigeria: Semi Ajayi Ruled Out of World Cup Qualifiers with Hamstring Injury
Nigeria’s preparations for the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers have been dealt a major blow after defender Semi Ajayi was ruled out with a hamstring injury.
The former West Bromwich Albion centre-back, who now plays for Hull City, picked up the injury during club duty and is expected to be sidelined long enough to miss the Super Eagles’ crucial fixtures. His absence will be a huge miss for coach Finidi George, who had counted on Ajayi’s experience and aerial strength at the heart of Nigeria’s defence.
Ajayi, 30, has been a regular feature for the Super Eagles in recent years and played a key role during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign. With his withdrawal, Nigeria’s defensive options have been further thinned, placing more pressure on the likes of Calvin Bassey, William Troost-Ekong, and Kenneth Omeruo to step up.
The Super Eagles, who are looking to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, are set to face [insert opponent fixtures, e.g., Rwanda and Zimbabwe] in their next round of qualifiers.
Ajayi’s injury also raises fresh concerns over squad depth, as the team continues to battle with injuries to key players ahead of must-win matches.
Nigeria will be hoping his absence does not derail their World Cup qualification campaign as fans anxiously look forward to a return to football’s biggest stage.
