Ajayi Steps Up Recovery From Injury

The Super Eagles have conceded some avoidable goals in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which has left them in a precarious situation of whether they will qualify or not, but the return of Semi Ajayi to fitness may be the news Nigeria need.

West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Mowbray has revealed that Nigeria’s Super Eagles defender, Semi Ajayi will take part in a friendly with the club’s U-21 next week.

Ajayi has been sidelined since sustaining a hamstring injury in Albion’s Sky Bet Championship clash against Cardiff City last October.

The 31-year-old will feature for the Baggies’ U-21 in a friendly on Monday night against Newcastle United as he steps up his comeback.

“I’ve had the conversation with Semi. ‘What about 45 minutes?’ I’m coming to watch. Him having to react and deal with things,” Albion manager Mowbray declared.

“At all my clubs in the past – they play (for the youth team). If they are not getting games, then they play. They are here to play. So (they need to) want to play, show me, it’s an opportunity to show me why you should be in our team.”

The centre-back has made 12 league appearances for West Brom this season.