Nigeria’s World Cup Chances Rocked As Top Defender Is Removed From Super Eagles List
- Semi Ajayi ruled out for six weeks with hamstring injury and is set to miss Nigeria’s key World Cup qualifiers in September
- The Super Eagles face must-win games against Rwanda and South Africa to stay in contention to qualify
- Head coach Eric Chelle insists Nigeria still has a path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup with four matches remaining
Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have taken a major hit after Hull City confirmed that Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi will be sidelined for up to six weeks with a hamstring injury.
Ajayi, who joined Hull City in the summer and impressed with a commanding performance against Coventry City, reported discomfort after the game.
Source: Getty Images
Initially, the injury was thought to be minor, but further scans revealed more severe damage, Score Nigeria reports.
As a result, the former Arsenal player will miss Hull’s upcoming fixtures and Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.
Ajayi’s absence leaves a significant gap in Nigeria’s defensive line, as the defender has been a reliable figure at the back for the national team.
His injury comes at a critical moment, with the Super Eagles needing strong performances to keep their World Cup dream alive.
Nigeria’s struggles in the qualifiers
Nigeria's head coach, Eric Chelle, is confident the Super Eagles can still qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Channels TV reports.
Source: Getty Images
Before his appointment, the Super Eagles had endured a poor start to their World Cup qualifying campaign, failing to secure a win in their first four matches.
Chelle, however, brought renewed hope by guiding Nigeria to a 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali.
Despite that result, a frustrating draw against Zimbabwe has left Nigeria in a difficult position.
The Super Eagles now sit six points behind group leaders South Africa, who are aiming to qualify for their first World Cup since hosting the tournament in 2010.
The absence of Ajayi adds more pressure on Nigeria’s squad, especially in defence, where experience and leadership will be crucial.
With four games left to play, every match is now a final for the Super Eagles if they intend to return to the World Cup after missing out on Qatar 2022.
The road ahead for the Super Eagles
Nigeria’s next games will determine the fate of their World Cup campaign.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on September 3rd before travelling to face South Africa on September 7th.
Chelle has stressed that the match against South Africa will be very important, describing it as a must-win encounter for the Super Eagles.
To keep their World Cup hopes alive, Nigeria must win all their remaining games and hope Bafana Bafana and others drop crucial points.
Musa sounds alarm over World Cup crisis
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa has admitted that Nigeria's chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are hanging by a thread, warning that only a miracle can rescue the national team.
The three-time African champions have stuttered in the qualification series after winning only one match out of the six played so far.
Source: Legit.ng
