Nigeria’s national team, nicknamed the Super Eagles, are facing a serious challenge as they continue their 2025 AFCON qualification campaign. Key defender Semi Ajayi of West Bromwich Albion has been sidelined for an extended period following a serious hamstring injury, putting Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen’s plans in jeopardy.
The injury occurred during West Brom’s recent match against Cardiff City, in which Ajayi was forced off the pitch in the second half. West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan has confirmed that the defender will require surgery due to what is considered a “difficult” and “unfortunate” hamstring injury.
“Semi has unfortunately suffered a more serious injury,” Corberan told a press conference. “It was an action that was an accident. In that action, he broke his muscle in two parts.”
Super Eagles interim coach Eguavoen will now have to find a replacement for Ajayi. The injury comes at a critical time as Nigeria look to finish their AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign in convincing fashion next month.
The Spanish manager stressed the need for surgery, saying “the best way to manage this injury is through surgery because it helps reduce the risk of suffering this type of injury again.”
The estimated 16-week recovery period means the Championship defender will miss crucial matches for club and country. Despite his limited playing time during the recent international break, Ajayi has been a vital part of Eguavoen’s defensive plans.
The injury is a major blow to both West Bromwich Albion’s promotion aspirations and the Nigeria national team. As Ajayi begins his recovery process, both Eguavoen, who also lost Olisa Ndah to injury, and Corberan will have to adjust their tactical approaches to compensate for the absence of the experienced defender.
Ajayi’s prolonged unavailability highlights the challenges facing the Super Eagles team in their quest to qualify for AFCON 2025, and highlights the critical importance of tactical choices and adjustments needed to maintain a solid defensive base in the upcoming matches. The clock is ticking for the Nigeria team to find a solution in the absence of their talented defender Semi Ajayi.