Heartbreak for Eric Chelle as Super Eagles defender ruled out of Rwanda, South Africa qualifiers

Super Eagles manager, Eric Chelle will be without one of his most important defenders ahead of the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month.

The French-Malian coach will be without the reliable services of Hull City central defender, Semi Ajayi for the qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.

Reports claim that the Arsenal Academy product suffered a hamstring injury in Hull City’s season opener against Coventry City last week.

Semi Ajayi wasn’t available for selection in the midweek Carabao Cup loss to Wrexham and scans have showed that the 31-year-old central defender will be out for at least a month.

The defender joined Hull City as a free agent this summer after seven years at Westbrom.

Ajayi’s injury comes at a time when the Tigers will face tricky ties against Oxford City, Blackburn Rovers and Bristol City in the English Championship.

Also, his injury will see him miss the matches against Rwanda (home) and South Africa (away) as Eric Chelle looks to revive Super Eagles’ chances of qualifying for the World Cup next summer.

Semi Ajayi was instrumental for Eric Chelle as the Super Eagles beat Ghana and Jamaica to win the Unity Cup in May.