AFCON: Setback for Super Eagles as injury rules out Semi Ajayi for qualifiers

By Tosin Omojola

Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi has been ruled out of the final AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda due to a significant hamstring injury.

Ajayi, who plays for English club West Bromwich Albion, is expected to be sidelined for at least four months. West Brom manager Carlos Corberan confirmed that Ajayi will require surgery to repair the damage.

“Semi, unfortunately, has suffered a serious injury. It was an accident that led to his muscle being torn in two,” Corberan explained.

“The best course of action is surgery, as it helps reduce the risk of a similar injury happening again. Certain injuries affect specific tendon areas that require surgical intervention,” he added.

“While surgery adds about two weeks to recovery, it lowers the chance of re-injury. The expected recovery time is roughly 16 weeks,” Corberan concluded.