The Semi Ajayi injury scare is over. Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic has confirmed the Super Eagles defender only suffered cramp during Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Arsenal, and the 32-year-old is fit to report for Nigeria’s Tanzania qualifiers.
Ajayi went down holding his left leg in the 69th minute at the Emirates Stadium and had to be replaced by Australian defender Lucas Herrington, sparking fears of a muscle injury just days before the international break. Three minutes later, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard scored the only goal of the game, reacting quickest to the rebound after Noni Madueke’s effort was saved by Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis.
Semi Ajayi injury scare: what happened at the Emirates
Ajayi had been one of Hull’s best performers before his withdrawal, frustrating the Premier League leaders with three tackles, four clearances and one block. His departure left a gap in the Tigers’ back line, and Arsenal found the breakthrough almost immediately after he left the pitch.
Initial reports on Saturday evening feared the worst, with the extent of the problem unknown and medical examinations expected to determine how long the centre-back could be out. Given Nigeria had already lost Victor Osimhen to knee surgery and Samuel Chukwueze to hip surgery, the prospect of another defensive casualty set alarm bells ringing in the Super Eagles camp.
Jakirovic on Semi Ajayi injury: only cramp
The relief came from Jakirovic himself, who told Sky Sports after the game that Ajayi’s withdrawal was not caused by a serious injury. “It’s very difficult; we had two players with cramps,” the Hull manager said, adding that the plan had been to close down the midfield against Arsenal’s overloads.
Fantasy Football Scout quoted Jakirovic’s fuller verdict on the defender: “He got cramp. He and Elliot Stroud. That was the reason why we made the substitution. No injuries, everything is fine. They gave everything today.”
Reports from Hull reinforced the message, stating Ajayi was taken off because of cramp and was not dealing with anything more serious. The 32-year-old, who joined Hull from West Bromwich Albion on a two-year deal last summer, should therefore face no extended spell on the sidelines, although his recovery will be monitored ahead of the qualifiers.
What Ajayi’s all-clear means for the Super Eagles
Ajayi is part of Eric Chelle’s 24-man squad for the Tanzania double-header, and he will now join the Super Eagles camp in Uyo, with the first leg against Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Friday, 13 November and the return in Zanzibar on Tuesday, 17 November.
His availability is a timely boost. Nigeria are already without Victor Osimhen after knee surgery, while Ryan Alebiosu faces three to four months out with his own knee problem, so Chelle can ill afford to lose another experienced defender. Ajayi, a Super Eagles regular with more than 40 caps, is expected to be a key figure against the Taifa Stars.
The news landed on the morning of Ajayi’s 33rd birthday — the centre-back was born on 9 November 1993 — and he will celebrate it by reporting for international duty, fit and available. For more on the qualifiers, check today’s predictions.
Graphic: SportsBuddy. Injury update first reported by PUNCH.
