Nigeria’s first World Cup 2026 qualifying goal scorer, Semi Ajayi, will be sidelined for the crucial Super Eagles’ play-off clash against Gabon on November 13.
The Hull City centre-back received his second yellow card of the qualifying campaign in Nigeria’s dominant 4-0 win over Benin Republic, resulting in an automatic suspension for the upcoming match.
Ajayi was booked in the 55th minute of Tuesday’s game, following his previous yellow card, which came almost exactly a year earlier in the 54th minute of the opening qualifier against Lesotho on November 16, 2023.
Both cautions happened at nearly the same point in the game, an unusual coincidence that means Ajayi will miss the first of the two-legged play-off.
Despite the suspension, Ajayi played a key role in Nigeria’s qualifying journey, scoring the vital equaliser in the opener against Lesotho to secure a 1-1 draw.
Meanwhile, Ademola Lookman, who was suspended for the recent Benin game, has now served his ban and is eligible for the Gabon match.
However, 10 other Super Eagles players remain on the caution list and risk missing the second play-off match should they receive another yellow card.
The players currently walking a disciplinary tight rope, according to Sport Village Square include: Calvin Bassey – booked in the 45th minute vs Zimbabwe (Nov. 19, 2023)
*Jamilu Collins – booked in the 87th minute vs Zimbabwe (Nov. 19, 2023)
*Umar Sadiq – booked in the 90th minute vs Zimbabwe (Nov. 19, 2023)
*Bright Osayi-Samuel – booked in the 16th minute vs South Africa (June 7, 2024)
*Sodiq Ismaila – booked in the 90+3rd minute vs Benin Republic (June 10, 2024)
*Wilfred Ndidi – booked in the 49th minute vs Rwanda (March 21, 2025)
*Alex Iwobi – booked in the 90th minute vs Rwanda (March 21, 2025)
*Tolu Arokodare – booked in the 90+3rd minute vs Rwanda (March 21, 2025)
*Stanley Nwabali – booked in the 25th minute vs Rwanda (Sept. 6, 2025)
*Bruno Onyemaechi – booked in the 90th minute vs South Africa (Sept. 9, 2025)
With Nigeria eyeing qualification for the 2026 World Cup, discipline will be crucial in the two-legged play-off, the online medium advises.
The Super Eagles had before the last game with Benin Republic, managed a clean record only once in their 10 qualifying matches — the 1-1 home draw with Zimbabwe.
Ajayi’s absence will now test the team’s defensive depth as they prepare for a potentially tricky encounter against Gabon in November.
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