Super Eagles injury crisis: 3 players who could replace Ajayi, Azeez & Dele-Bashiru

Eric Chelle has an early squad problem as the Super Eagles prepare for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, Afrik-Foot reports.

Semi Ajayi, Femi Azeez and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru have all picked up injury concerns in the opening weeks of the new season.

Nigeria are in Group L with Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania. The first two qualifying games are against Madagascar on September 23 and Guinea-Bissau on September 27.

The good news for Chelle is that Nigeria have several players who can step in if the three injured players are ruled out.

Ajayi’s absence would test Super Eagles’ defence

Ajayi suffered a hamstring problem during Hull City’s 2-0 win over Manchester United on August 22. He scored Hull’s first goal in the 17th minute before going off in the 64th minute.

There was better news on August 25. Hull assistant coach Dean Holden said the issue was linked to fatigue, while another report said Ajayi had been cleared to return for the club’s next game. That means Chelle may not need a replacement at all.

If Ajayi is not fit, Chibuike Nwaiwu is a strong option. Chelle has already used the Trabzonspor defender as cover. Nwaiwu also replaced an injured Calvin Bassey in Nigeria’s March squad.

Igoh Ogbu and Emmanuel Fernandez are other options. Both have worked with Chelle, while Ogbu was part of Nigeria’s squad at the last AFCON. The NFF also included Ogbu and Fernandez in the squad for the June friendlies.

Midfield and attack offer Chelle more choices

Azeez could be the hardest player to replace because he offers a direct attacking option from the wing. The Millwall forward was forced off after 30 minutes against Bristol City on August 15 with a hamstring problem. Millwall boss Alex Neil later described it as a slight strain.

Chelle has several experienced wingers. Samuel Chukwueze, Chidera Ejuke and Moses Simon have all been part of his squads. The NFF included all three in the March international squad.

Chukwueze could be the most natural replacement if Chelle wants a winger who can attack one-on-one. Ejuke offers another option on either side, while Simon brings experience and a strong record with Nigeria.

Dele-Bashiru’s injury creates a different problem. The Lazio midfielder started against Bologna under new coach Gennaro Gattuso but left after 54 minutes with what looked like a hamstring problem. Davide Frattesi replaced him.

Chelle can turn to Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi or Raphael Onyedika. All four have been selected by the coach before, while Onyedika and Tochukwu Nnadi also featured in Nigeria’s 2026 summer squad.

Iwobi could be the key option if Chelle wants creativity. Ndidi gives the team defensive strength, while Onyeka can provide energy and ball-winning ability. Onyedika offers another player who can cover ground and help Nigeria control midfield.

The injuries therefore do not leave Nigeria without answers. But if all three players miss the September qualifiers, Chelle will have to make important changes before Nigeria begin their bid to reach the 2027 AFCON.