Nigeria suffer injury blow: West Brom CB Ajayi won't feature again for Super Eagles in 2024

Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi has been dealt a significant setback after suffering a hamstring injury that will see him sidelined for approximately four months.

This development means Ajayi will not feature again for the Super Eagles in 2024 and will miss the African Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin and Rwanda scheduled for November.

Ajayi sustained the injury during West Brom's goalless draw with Cardiff City in a Championship clash at The Hawthorns. 

The incident occurred in the closing minutes of the second half, leading to Ajayi’s immediate substitution with Mason Holgate.

On Thursday morning, West Brom head coach Carlos Corberán confirmed that the 30-year-old Nigerian international would require surgery, a step necessary to minimize the chances of re-injury.

“Semi, unfortunately, has suffered a more difficult injury. It was an action which was an accident. In this action, he has broken his muscle in two parts," Corberán said in an interview with the club’s official media.

"The best way to manage this injury is with surgery because surgery helps reduce the risk of suffering this type of injury again."

He added that the surgery, though causing a delay in recovery by two weeks, ultimately provides a more secure path back to the pitch for Ajayi.

"There are injuries which affect the tendon in specific areas where you have to have surgery. The surgery delays things by around two weeks, but it also reduces the risk of the injury reoccurring.

"Returning in about 16 weeks is the approximate time when you have this type of surgery," Corberán explained.

Ajayi’s absence compounds West Brom’s injury concerns, with the club already facing the loss of key players such as Kyle Bartley, Paddy McNair, and Daryl Dike.

However, his unavailability is an even greater blow to the Super Eagles, who rely heavily on the defender’s experience and skills.

Since his 2018 debut, Ajayi has made 41 appearances for Nigeria, becoming a key member of the national squad and playing under both current interim coach Austin Eguavoen and his predecessors.

Ajayi’s injury comes as the Super Eagles strive to secure a spot in the 2025 AFCON and aim for a title win in the tournament.

Adeyemi Adewale

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