Nigeria’s Super Eagles have suffered another injury scare ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania after defender Semi Ajayi was forced off during Hull City’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Saturday.
The 32-year-old centre-back was unable to complete the encounter at the Emirates Stadium after appearing to sustain an injury to his left leg, raising concerns over his availability for Nigeria’s upcoming international assignments.
Ajayi, who was included in Eric Chelle’s 24-man squad for the November qualifiers, went down in the 69th minute and received medical attention before being replaced by Australian defender Lucas Herrington.
The Nigerian international had delivered an impressive defensive performance, helping Hull frustrate Arsenal’s attacking players and keeping the Premier League leaders from finding a breakthrough for much of the contest.
However, his departure proved a significant moment in the match, with Arsenal eventually scoring just three minutes after his substitution.
Martin Odegaard broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute, reacting quickest to a rebound after Noni Madueke’s effort was saved by Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis.
The goal proved decisive as Arsenal secured all three points, moving to 27 points and opening a six-point gap over second-placed Manchester City at the time.
For Hull, the defeat extended their difficult run of form, leaving them 13th in the table with 11 points from 10 matches. The Tigers have now gone nine games in all competitions without a victory, recording four defeats and five draws during that period.
Ajayi’s injury comes at an uncomfortable time for the Super Eagles, who are preparing for two important encounters against Tanzania as they continue their quest for qualification for the 2027 AFCON.
Nigeria will host the Taifa Stars in Uyo on November 13 before travelling for the return fixture on November 17.
The former West Bromwich Albion defender was expected to provide experience and stability in the heart of Chelle’s defence, making his fitness an important concern for the Nigerian technical crew.
The Super Eagles are already without influential striker Victor Osimhen, who is recovering from knee surgery, while Samuel Chukwueze has also undergone hip surgery in London.
Osimhen’s absence is particularly significant given his importance to Nigeria’s attacking setup, while losing another experienced international could further complicate Chelle’s preparations.
The Nigerian coach will now be hoping that Ajayi’s problem is not serious and that the defender can recover in time for the two encounters.
For now, the full extent of the injury remains unknown, with Nigeria awaiting further information on the player’s condition before determining his availability.
With the Tanzania fixtures approaching, the Super Eagles will be hoping to avoid further injury setbacks as they prepare for a crucial stage of their AFCON qualifying campaign.
