Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi has been ruled out of Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoff semi-final showdown against Gabon after picking up a card suspension.
The Hull City centre-back received his second yellow card of the qualifiers during Tuesday’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Ajayi had earlier been booked in the opening group fixture against Lesotho, triggering an automatic one-match suspension.
The 31-year-old, who scored Nigeria’s only goal in the 1-1 draw against Benin in the first leg, will now miss the high-stakes semi-final tie.
However, he will be available for selection should the Super Eagles progress to the final of the African playoffs.
Nigeria will take on Gabon in the semi-final on Thursday, November 13, while Cameroon and DR Congo battle in the other last-four fixture.