Semi Ajayi will be unavailable for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff encounter against the Panthers of Gabon, following a suspension.
The Super Eagles defender received his second yellow card of the qualifying campaign during Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
His first booking came earlier in the series, on matchday one, against Lesotho.
Ajayi, who plies his trade with Hull City, had given Nigeria a glimmer of hope in that fixture by scoring the team’s lone goal.
The 31-year-old centre-back will, however, be eligible to return if Nigeria advances to the playoff final.
The Super Eagles are set to face Gabon in the semi-final on Thursday, November 13, while Cameroon will take on the Democratic Republic of Congo in the other last-four clash.
