Tragic news has hit Super Eagles camp as defender Semi Ajayi has encountered a significant injury blow that will keep him off the pitch for the next four months.
This unforeseen setback comes as the Eagles are looking to open camp once again for the conclusion of their 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Tragedy during a tense Championship clash between West Brom and Cardiff City, with Ajayi sustaining a hamstring injury in the dying moments of the game.
His immediate substitution left fans and teammates concerned, but the gravity of the situation became clear when West Brom’s head coach, Carlos Corberán, confirmed that Ajayi would require surgery.
Impact of Semi Ajayi’s injury blow on the Super Eagles
The 30-year-old Nigeria international faces a challenging road to recovery, as Corberán revealed that the injury involved a significant muscle tear while speaking in an interview with the club’s official media.
While the surgical procedure will delay his return by about two weeks, it is deemed essential for reducing the risk of re-injury, according to the coach.
Experts estimate that Ajayi could return to competitive action in approximately 16 weeks.
“Semi, unfortunately, has suffered a more difficult injury,” Corberán explained. “It was an action, which was an accident. In this action, he has broken his muscle in two parts.
“The best way to manage this injury is with surgery because surgery helps reduce the risk of suffering this type of injury again.
“There are injuries that 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.”
Ajayi’s injury represents a substantial loss for the Super Eagles, who actually do need his defensive prowess and leadership on the field.
