Injured Semi Ajayi Set to Miss Rwanda, Zimbabwe Matches

Femi Solaja

There are strong indications that Super Eagles defender, Semi Ajayi, may not be available for the upcoming 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe next month after sustaining an injury in West Brom’s 2-0 win over Oxford United.

The AFCON 2023 silver medal winner with Super Eagles last year has been off the ball during the previous five months due to injury and just returned to full action.

Last October, he suffered a hamstring injury, which kept him out of action until February.

The Super Eagles star returned to action, but coach Tony Mowbray was careful about his situation, reducing his minutes drastically.

However, Ajayi started the last two games for West Brom. Unfortunately, he got injured in their last game against Oxford United on Saturday.

The Super Eagles defender who was wheeled off in the 41st minute was replaced by former Everton man Mason Holgate. It is believed that Ajayi suffered a relapse. 

However, he would have to undergo tests to ascertain the extent of the injury and how long he will spend on the treatment table.

As it is, Ajayi is a big doubt for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers next month. But if it is not a serious issue, he would still have to be sidelined for two weeks at least.

The Super Eagles star has four weeks to return in time for the game. Even if the 31-year-old defender returns to action soon, West Brom will be cautious about Ajayi’s injury problems.

If Semi Ajayi does not make it back in time, it will be a big blow for him, as he is an integral member of the backline. Nonetheless, coach Eric Chelle will have to make do with the other players like Olisa Ndah, Benjamin Tanimu, and Gabriel Osho.