Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, has been dealt a blow with the news that key defender Semi Ajayi will be sidelined for four months due to a serious hamstring injury. The setback means Ajayi, a stalwart in Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifying campaign, will miss the upcoming qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda scheduled for November 14 and 18, respectively.
Ajayi sustained the injury last weekend during West Bromwich Albion’s Championship match against Cardiff City.
In the second half of the game, the centre-back pulled up with a hamstring issue that was later revealed to be severe, requiring surgery to mend the muscle.
According to West Brom manager Carlos Corberan, the injury was the result of an unfortunate accident, resulting in Ajayi’s muscle rupturing in two places.
“Semi, unfortunately, has suffered a more difficult injury,” Corberan explained on the club’s website.
It was an action which was an accident.
In this action, he has broken his muscle in two parts.
The best way to manage this injury is with surgery because surgery helps reduce the risk of suffering this type of injury again.”
Corberan further elaborated on the necessity of surgery, noting that while it extends recovery by about two weeks, it significantly reduces the likelihood of future complications.
“There are injuries which affect the tendon in specific areas where you have to have surgery,” he added. “Returning in about 16 weeks is the approximate time when you have this type of surgery.”
The news of Ajayi’s absence could not come at a worse time for the Super Eagles.
Ajayi has been a critical component of Nigeria’s defensive line throughout their AFCON 2025 qualifying run, featuring in all three of their matches.
His towering presence and tactical awareness have helped Nigeria to stay competitive, and the team will now need to look at alternative options to fill the void in defence.
Nigeria’s upcoming qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda will be pivotal as the Super Eagles continue their bid to secure a spot at the AFCON tournament in Morocco.
Without Ajayi’s experience and leadership at the back, coach José Peseiro faces the challenge of restructuring his defence against two determined opponents.
Ajayi’s injury has also left a significant impact on his club, West Bromwich Albion, where he has been a key figure in their backline.
Known for his physicality and ability to read the game, Ajayi’s absence will be felt by the Baggies as they continue their push in the EFL Championship.
For Nigeria, the loss of Ajayi in this critical stage of the AFCON qualifiers will test the depth and resilience of their squad.
As the Super Eagles look to regroup, the team will aim to overcome this setback and secure crucial victories in their remaining fixtures.
