Nigeria’s push for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has received welcome news with defender Semi Ajayi edging closer to full fitness ahead of October’s crucial qualifiers against Lesotho and the Republic of Benin.

Ajayi, 31, has endured a stop-start year due to a recurring hamstring injury. After featuring in the 2025 Unity Cup and a friendly against Russia in June, the Hull City centre-back was forced to miss the September international window, paving the way for youngster Benjamin Fredrick to step up.

Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic offered an encouraging update, revealing the Nigerian’s recovery is progressing well.
“There’s like a 70, 80 per cent chance,” Jakirovic told the Hull Daily Mail. “Our doctors are careful and don’t want to push anybody. If you’re asking me, they will be ready. Crooksy and Semi, yes of course, it’s a big boost to have them back.”

While caution remains, Hull have three matches before the October break, giving Ajayi valuable time to regain match sharpness. Jakirovic emphasized patience, noting that players who missed pre-season “will be better and better” with minutes under their belt.

Ajayi’s return would be a timely lift for the Super Eagles, whose qualification hopes hang in the balance after a mixed September outing.