'This is why' - Eric Chelle explains why Arsenal alum did not play the full game against Ghana

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has revealed why Semi Ajayi did not complete the full 90 minutes during Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Ghana in the opening match of the 2025 Unity Cup.

Ajayi, a former Arsenal U21 captain, was a surprise inclusion in the starting XI given his recent injury woes.

The West Brom defender missed much of the latter half of the 2024–2025 season with a hamstring injury and only made a brief return on the final day of the season, featuring for 37 minutes after replacing the injured Kyle Bartley.

The 31-year-old managed 82 minutes at the Gtech Community Stadium before being replaced by Ifeanyi Onyebuchi. 

Speaking to Nigerian journalist Austin Okon Akpan, Chelle said Ajayi’s fitness is still being managed cautiously.

"We have some players who have to recover because they are coming back after a long injury, like Semi Ajayi," Chelle stated. "This is why he did not play the full game."

He added that Ajayi is unlikely to feature in Saturday’s final against Jamaica due to concerns over his match readiness.

"Maybe tomorrow he cannot play because we need to be careful with him,” Chelle explained. "We are ready. We have a lot of things to give for this final and against Jamaica."

Ajayi, who missed Nigeria’s last five competitive matches due to injury, returned to the fold against Ghana and has also been named in the squad to face Russia in a friendly next week in Moscow.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com