The injury crisis plaguing Nigerian footballers globally has deepened, with seven stars currently on the treatment table, dealing a blow to both their clubs and national team aspirations. PUNCH Sports Extra’s PETER AKINBO highlights these key players and their recovery timelines
SEMI AJAYI (West Bromwich Albion)
West Brom’s defence stalwart Semi Ajayi faces a four-month layoff following surgery on a severe hamstring injury sustained during their goalless draw against Cardiff City.
The 30-year-old centre-back, who had been ever-present in the Baggies’ Championship campaign with 12 appearances, suffered what manager Carlos Corberan described as a “broken muscle in two parts.”
“Semi has suffered a more difficult injury… The best way to manage this is with surgery because it helps reduce the risk of suffering this type of injury again,” Corberan explained.
The injury rules Ajayi out of Nigeria’s crucial AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda this month, dealing a blow to coach Augustine Eguavoen’s defensive plans.
TEREM MOFFI (OGC Nice)
Nice’s prolific striker,Terem Moffi, is targeting a February return following an ACL rupture in his left knee suffered during pre-season training in Austria.
The setback halted the 25-year-old’s impressive run at the French club, where he had netted 20 goals and provided five assists in 52 appearances since joining from Lorient in January 2022.
Currently undergoing rehabilitation after surgery, Moffi’s absence has significantly impacted Nice’s attacking options this season.
CHIDERA EJUKE (Sevilla)
Sevilla winger Chidera Ejuke faces at least three months on the sidelines after sustaining a high-grade hamstring injury during their match against Barcelona.
The injury’s timing couldn’t be worse for the Nigeria international, who had distinguished himself as one of La Liga’s most skilled dribblers before the setback.
His recovery period could extend beyond expectation if surgery is required, potentially ruling him out of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
UCHENNA KALU (Racing Louisville)
Racing Louisville striker Uchenna Kalu underwent successful surgery in September to address a long-standing ankle issue she had been playing through.
The 27-year-old, who has scored seven goals in 20 appearances for Nigeria, was instrumental in the Super Falcons’ 2023 World Cup campaign, scoring against co-hosts Australia.Kalu’s absence has adversely affected Louisville’s attacking prowess, with the team struggling to find goals in her absence as they chase a playoff spot.
PETER OLAYINKA (Red Star Belgrade)
Red Star Belgrade forward Peter Olayinka is expected to miss the remainder of the season following Achilles tendon surgery in Finland last month.
The 28-year-old, who sustained the injury during a 5-1 Champions League defeat to AS Monaco, had been in impressive form for his club, scoring two goals and providing two assists in six league appearances.
His recovery timeline is estimated between six and nine months, targeting a return between May and July 2024.
YIRA SOR (Genk)
Former Flying Eagles star Yira Sor faces another spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury during Genk’s victory over KAA Gent, where he managed just 10 minutes as a substitute.
Coach Thorsten Fink revealed that while scans showed no major damage to Sor’s abdominal muscles or adductors, the player needs specific strength training to cope with his explosive playing style.
“He has the engine of a Ferrari, but the bodywork needs to be more solid,” Fink explained, targeting a November 23 return against Sporting Charleroi.
DAVID OKEREKE (Gaziantep)
Gaziantep striker David Okereke has been sidelined with a left thigh muscle tear sustained during last weekend’s match against Kayserispor.
The club confirmed the injury following detailed examinations, with their medical team immediately beginning treatment on the summer signing from Torino.
No specific return date has been set for the Nigerian international as he begins his recovery process.