Super Eagles suffer big blow as key player gets knocked out of World Cup Qualifiers

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have suffered a significant blow ahead of their 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe as West Brom have confirmed that defender Semi Ajayi has suffered another hamstring injury, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria are condemned to win their next two games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers next month.

The Super Eagles picked up three goals in their first four games in the qualifiers, putting them in a difficult position.

Nonetheless, Nigeria coach Eric Chelle still has a good shot at staging a comeback due to the quality in the squad. However, he might have to do without one of his star defenders.

This is as Ajayi has suffered a hamstring injury again. The former Rotherham man just returned to action two weeks ago after spending the previous four months on the sidelines.

But now, the 31-year-old centre-back has been ruled out of action for several weeks due to the hamstring issue.

How do the Super Eagles manage without Semi Ajayi?

Eric Chelle is yet to take charge of a game with Nigeria, so it is unknown which tactics he will deploy heading into the game in mid-March.

In the past year, previous Super Eagles coaches have alternated between three centerbacks and two centerbacks. And as it stands, the top two Nigerian centerbacks are William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey.

Semi Ajayi has usually made up the top three. But now, Chelle would have to look at other players like Olisa Ndah, Gabriel Osho, Kevin Akpoguma, Kenneth Omeruo, or a defender from the Nigerian Premier Football League.

Nonetheless, Ajayi's absence is a big blow for Nigeria due to his experience.