Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi, Semi Ajayi and Victor Osimhen of Nigeria during the TotalEnergies Caf Africa Cup of Nations Afcon 2023 match between Cote D Ivoire and Nigeria at Stade D Ebimpe on January 18, 2024 in Abidjan, Cote d Ivoire. [Photo Credit/ Imago].
Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup hang by a thread following their performance during the September International break…
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have been handed a huge boost ahead of their games against Lesotho and the Republic of Benin, Soccernet.ng reports.
Semi Ajayi missed the March International break due to a hamstring injury. However, he returned for the 2025 Unity Cup and featured in the friendly game against Russia back in June.
However, the 31-year-old missed the September International break due to the recurrence of the same hamstring problem, leading to the rise of Benjamin Fredrick.
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Boost for Super Eagles
Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirovic revealed that Ajayi has made progress in his recovery journey, mentioning that the former West Bromwich Albion defender could make his return in the Tigers.
“I don’t know – maybe. There’s like a 70, 80 per cent [chance]. Our doctors are very careful. They don’t want to push anybody.
“If you’re asking me, they will be ready. I’m fighting all the time with them,” the 48-year-old said in quotes revealed by Hull Daily Mail.
“Crooksy and Semi, yes of course (a big boost to have back). But it’s five, six or seven weeks, so they will need time. We will see.”
“We have more options now compared to before Blackburn. I’m very pleased with that and what I told you, especially those players who miss pre-season, they will be better and better.
“They need minutes; we need to be patient with them, and for sure, they will be better and they will improve this group for sure,” the Bosnian concluded.
Hull City have three fixtures before the October International break, and that should give Ajayi some level of fitness before he heads out on National team duty.