Big blow for Super Eagles as Hull City CB ruled out of WCQs against Bafana Bafana and Wasps

Nigeria's Super Eagles have suffered a significant setback ahead of their crucial 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers, with Hull City centre-back Semi Ajayi ruled out due to injury.

Ajayi, who joined Hull City as a free agent this summer, sustained a hamstring injury in the aftermath of his side’s Championship opener against Coventry City, where he put in a commanding performance to help secure a goalless draw.

Although he was left out of Hull’s Carabao Cup tie against Wrexham as a precaution, further scans have revealed more serious damage.

According to Hull Live, the scan confirmed a hamstring strain that is expected to sideline the Nigerian international for at least a month.

This timeline means Ajayi will not only miss Hull City's upcoming fixtures — starting with Saturday’s clash against Oxford United — but also Nigeria’s vital qualifiers against South Africa's Bafana Bafana and Rwanda’s Amavubi (Wasps) in September.

The injury comes as a major blow to Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle, who will now be without one of his most experienced defenders as the Super Eagles look to get their World Cup qualifying campaign back on track.

Nigeria has endured a shaky start in Group C and Chelle will be under pressure to secure maximum points from the upcoming double-header.

Hull City, on their part, will also be cautious with Ajayi’s recovery, keen to avoid aggravating the injury and risking potential surgery.

The former Arsenal defender, has been a consistent figure in the Super Eagles' setup and his absence will leave a notable gap in the team’s backline.

With the qualifiers fast approaching, Chelle will now have to look at alternative options to fill the void left by the influential centre-back.

Adeyemi Adewale

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