The Super Eagles could be facing another injury setback ahead of their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against Tanzania after defender Semi Ajayi was forced off during Hull City’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Ajayi, who delivered an impressive performance against the Premier League leaders, was unable to continue after going down in the 67th minute and receiving medical attention, prompting Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirović to introduce young Australian defender Lucas Herrington as his replacement.
The defender’s departure came with the scores still level, but Arsenal eventually found the breakthrough through Martin Ødegaard, who scored the winning goal just minutes later to secure all three points for the Gunners.
The victory extended Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League table to six points, while Hull City were left disappointed after frustrating the hosts for much of the contest.
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The defeat extended the Tigers’ winless run to eight matches, leaving them 13th in the league standings with 11 points from 10 games. They will now turn their attention to their next league fixture against Brighton on November 22, following the international break.
Meanwhile, Nigeria will be anxiously awaiting an update on Ajayi’s fitness as Eric Chelle prepares his squad for the crucial AFCON 2027 qualifying encounters against Tanzania on November 13 and 17.
The Super Eagles are already without first-choice striker Victor Osimhen, who has been ruled out of the fixtures after sustaining a knee injury during Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League clash against Stuttgart.
A potential injury to Ajayi, who was named in the 24-man squad for the double-header, would represent another unwanted setback for Chelle, with the Nigeria coach now facing the prospect of being without two key players.
With both fixtures carrying significant importance in Nigeria’s quest to secure qualification for the 2027 AFCON, the Super Eagles will be hoping Ajayi’s injury is not serious as they await further updates on the defender’s condition.
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