Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic has suggested that Semi Ajayi could miss Nigeria's next international fixture, following a hamstring injury he sustained during the Africa Cup of Nations third-place playoff.

The centre-back has been sidelined since the conclusion of the tournament in Morocco, and Jakirovic indicated a possible return not before the end of March. 

As a result, Ajayi is unlikely to be considered by Nigeria manager Eric Chelle for the first international window of 2026, scheduled from 23 to 31 March against a yet-to-be named opponent.

Since picking up the injury, Ajayi has been sidelined for Hull City’s victories over Preston North End and Swansea City after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Jakirovic admitted there is still uncertainty over when Ajayi will be fully available, noting that his absence influenced the club’s decision to sign former Manchester United defender Paddy McNair. 

"We've taken Paddy because of (Semi) Ajayi's situation – we don't know, maybe it will be the end of March (before) he will be with us (after a hamstring injury in the Africa Cup of Nations third-place play-off)," Jakirovic said, according to The Yorkshire Post.

Ajayi's absence will be a significant blow for the club, given his consistent performances since joining Hull City as a free agent last summer.

Adeyemi Adewale