Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi has emerged as a major fitness worry for Nigeria ahead of their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Tanzania.
The 32-year-old centre-back picked up an apparent knock while playing for Hull City in their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Saturday, according to Africa Top Sports. Ajayi had put in a solid defensive shift to keep the Gunners quiet before he was forced off the pitch in the 69th minute.
His exit proved costly for the visitors, as Arsenal scored the decisive goal just three minutes later to seal the narrow victory.
The injury scare comes at an awkward moment for Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, who is shaping his squad for the double-header against Tanzania's Taifa Stars. Ajayi has remained a key pillar in the national team's backline, bringing experience, physical strength, and composure to the defense.
Nigeria will hope that the defender's substitution was merely precautionary rather than a long-term problem. An extended spell on the sidelines would hand Chelle a difficult selection task as the team pushes to seal a ticket to the continental tournament.
No official statement has been released regarding the exact severity of the knock or how long he might be out. The Super Eagles technical crew and Hull City are waiting on upcoming medical tests to see if the defender will be ready to represent his country.
