Super Eagles: Big blow for Eric Chelle as top defender faces doubt for AFCON qualifiers

The Super Eagles' preparations for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers have suffered another worrying setback after Semi Ajayi picked up a hamstring injury in Hull City's 2-0 Premier League victory over Manchester United, Soccernet.ng reports.

Ajayi produced a dream start to Hull City's return to the Premier League, scoring the opening goal as the Tigers stunned Manchester United at the MKM Stadium on Saturday.

The 32-year-old reacted quickest inside the box to fire Hull ahead in the 17th minute, but his memorable afternoon was cut short after he complained of a hamstring problem.

🇳🇬🥇The moment Semi Ajayi (32) made history by scoring Hull City's first Premier League goal in 9 YEARS! 🟠✅ pic.twitter.com/o2rhkqZqF2

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) August 22, 2026

Hull manager Sergej Jakirovic confirmed after the match that Ajayi was among several defenders who had to be substituted due to injury concerns. The Nigerian was replaced by Paddy McNair in the 64th minute.

“‘It was not the plan. We made four substitutions in the defensive line. I don't know, after medical check I will know much more,” Hull City coach Sergej Jakirovic said in quotes revealed by Ben Dinnery.

“Ajayi was complaining about his hamstring and Nobel on adductor. Coyle always with his ankles. That is normal. Maybe we will bring some new players again.

“We have ten days to go, we will see. It depends on their problems.'

The extent of the injury is yet to be established, leaving Nigeria facing an anxious wait over their most experienced defender.

Ajayi injury comes at a bad time for Nigeria

Ajayi's injury could hardly have arrived at a worse time for Éric Chelle. The Super Eagles are preparing for their opening two 2027 AFCON qualifying matches, with the first qualifying window scheduled between September 21 and October 6.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group L alongside Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau, making every match important for Chelle, who will need his most reliable players available from the beginning of the campaign.

Ajayi's importance is not simply about his experience. The Hull defender has spent much of his career competing in English football, and his ability to play calmly while providing strength in the air makes him a very important player beside Calvin Bassey for the Super Eagles.

His injury now creates another question for Chelle to answer before the squad for the September fixtures is announced.

Things don't look good for the Super Eagles

Ajayi's situation is even more concerning because Nigeria already have another promising attacker facing an uncertain fitness situation.

Femi Azeez was forced off after only 30 minutes of Millwall's Championship victory over Bristol City earlier this month after feeling discomfort in his hamstring.

Millwall boss Alex Neil subsequently described Azeez as a “talisman” for the club while expressing hope that the injury would not prove significant.

The winger enjoyed an impressive 2025/26 campaign, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists in 37 league appearances before earning his first senior Nigeria call-up.

Azeez then made an immediate impact with the Super Eagles, scoring twice against Zimbabwe in the Unity Cup before assisting in Nigeria's 3-0 victory over Jamaica in the final.

That emergence had given Chelle another exciting option in attack, making his fitness situation one worth monitoring ahead of the AFCON qualifiers.

With Azeez already a doubt and Ajayi now facing his own fitness concerns, Nigeria's injury picture looks uncomfortable.

Chelle faces defensive selection headache

The timing of Ajayi's injury is unfortunate because the Super Eagles coach has limited time to settle on his preferred defensive combination.

Nigeria have several experienced centre-backs available, but Ajayi's profile gives Chelle a different option from some of his alternatives.

The coach has given opportunities to Emmanuel Fernandez and Chibuike Nwaiwu in the past, but both players have been under a lot of scrutiny this season for errors leading to goals.

Igoh Ogbu is only just recovering from an Achilles injury, while Benjamin Fredrick hasn't played competitive football since he picked up a knee injury in Nigeria's World Cup play-offs against DR Congo in November 2025.

Chelle will be hoping Ajayi's hamstring problem isn't a major one and that the defender can return quickly enough to resume preparations with Hull and put himself in contention for the September fixtures.