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Super Eagles star Semi Ajayi has suffered an injury that has ruled him out of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers in March.

Ajayi has been a key player in the Super Eagles team, having played an important role in helping the team qualify for the 2025 AFCON tournament.

However, they have found it difficult in their World Cup qualifying games, having picked up just three points in their first three games.

Nigeria must secure victories in their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe next month.

Semi Ajayi’s injury

Nigeria’s hopes for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers have been dealt a major setback as the Super Eagles face Rwanda and Zimbabwe without a key player.

Ajayi has sustained another hamstring injury, and the setback coming merely two weeks after his return from a four-month layoff due to a previous injury.

The 31-year-old centre-back will now be out of action for several weeks due to a hamstring injury, as reported by Expressandstar.

With the new head coach Erik Chelle yet to take charge of any game, Ajayi’s injury will be a major blow in his first qualifying match.

Nigerian football coaches have switched between two- and three-centerback formations over the last year. 

Currently, William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey are the two consistent centerbacks in the team.

Semi Ajayi has typically been a top three choice, but Chelle will now need to consider other options, including Olisa Ndah, Gabriel Osho, Kevin Akpoguma, Kenneth Omeruo, or potentially a defender from the Nigerian Premier Football League.