Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi has suffered another injury setback after limping off during West Bromwich Albion’s match against Oxford United in the 41st minute. The centre back, who only recently returned from a hamstring injury, appeared to feel discomfort in the same area before being substituted just before halftime.
Medical tests and scans will be conducted in the coming days to determine the severity of the injury, raising concerns over his availability for both club and country.
Ajayi’s injury comes at a critical time for West Brom, who are pushing for promotion to the English Championship. It also presents a potential selection headache for Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
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Semi Ajayi’s recurring injury problems are a worrying sign for both West Brom and the Super Eagles. Just as he was regaining full match fitness, another setback could sideline him again, which is concerning given his importance to both teams.
For Nigeria, Ajayi is one of the few experienced centre-backs in the squad, and losing him ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers would be a significant blow. With Nigeria’s defence already lacking consistency, his absence could further expose the team’s vulnerabilities. This situation highlights the need for the Super Eagles to identify and integrate more defensive options to avoid over-reliance on injury-prone players.
West Brom, meanwhile, will be frustrated by this development, as Ajayi plays a key role in their defensive setup. If his injury turns out to be serious, the club may have to reshuffle their backline at a crucial stage of the season.
Ajayi’s latest setback also raises questions about his long-term fitness. Hamstring injuries can be tricky, and repeated issues in the same area could indicate an underlying problem. A thorough recovery process will be necessary to ensure he does not return prematurely and suffer further relapses.
For now, all eyes will be on the medical assessment in the coming days. If Ajayi is ruled out for an extended period, both West Brom and the Super Eagles must explore alternative options to fill the defensive void.
Did You Know?
- Semi Ajayi started his professional career at Arsenal but never made a senior appearance before moving to Rotherham United.
- He was a key part of West Brom’s promotion-winning squad in the 2019/20 season.
- Ajayi has been a regular in Nigeria’s squad since 2018 and played at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
- Hamstring injuries are among the most common injuries in football, often requiring extended rehabilitation to prevent recurrence.
- West Brom are currently in the Championship playoff race, making Ajayi’s availability crucial for their promotion hopes.
