FIFA Confirms Suspension of Super Eagles Star Ahead of Crucial World Cup Playoff vs Gabon

• Nigeria’s quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been made even more difficult by a FIFA decision
• The world football governing body has reportedly confirmed the suspension of Semi Ajayi for one game
• The Super Eagles have been scheduled to face Gabon in a must-win 2026 World Cup playoff in November

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Nigeria's bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been made tougher following the suspension of a top Super Eagles defender.

The three-time African champions gave themselves a lifeline after securing a play-off spot by finishing second behind South Africa in Group C.

According to OwnGoal Nigeria, FIFA has reportedly communicated to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) that defender Semi Ajayi will not be available for the Super Eagles’ crucial World Cup playoff clash against Gabon next month.

The announcement comes as Nigeria intensifies its preparations for the playoff tournament in Morocco, which, according to FIFA, will determine the team that advances to the Intercontinental Playoff for a spot at the 2026 World Cup.

According to ESPN, the Super Eagles were one of the four best runners-up during the African phase of the World Cup qualification process, alongside Gabon, Cameroon, and DR Congo. They will face the Panthers on November 13.

Ajayi’s suspension a setback for Super Eagles

Ajayi’s absence comes as a blow to the Super Eagles’ defence, especially after his superb performance for Nigeria since his return from injury.

The Hull City defender received his second yellow card of the World Cup qualifiers during Nigeria’s 4-0 thrashing of the Benin Republic.

This automatically triggered a one-match suspension in accordance with FIFA’s disciplinary rules, ruling him out of the tie against Gabon.

This means the England-born defender will miss the crucial first-leg semi-final encounter against Gabon in November. However, Ajayi will be available for the final playoff, should Nigeria progress to the next round.

The Hull defender is reportedly set to remain in the Super Eagles squad, travelling to Morocco for the 2026 World Cup playoffs, and will continue training with the team as they prepare for decisive upcoming matches.

In Ajayi’s absence, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle will likely fall back on captain William Troost-Ekong to step in. The Dutch-born defender remained on the bench in Nigeria's 4-0 demolition of Benin on October 14.

Gabon's Aubameyang cleared to face Nigeria

In a contrasting twist, FIFA has also confirmed that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be eligible to feature for Gabon against Nigeria in the playoffs, according to The Standard.

The former Barcelona striker, who received a red card in the Panthers' match against Gambia, served a one-match suspension during the final group fixture against Burundi.

Aubameyang scored all four goals in Gabon’s 4-3 win over Gambia before being sent off for a second yellow card offence. This only applies to one game, unlike a direct red card.

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles’ 4-0 victory over the Benin Republic on October 14 restored confidence in the Nigerian camp after a mixed qualification run as the playoffs loom.

Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick and a goal from Frank Onyeka sealed an emphatic win but not automatic qualification, as South Africa topped the qualification group by a single point.

Nigeria backed to claim World Cup ticket

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Benedict Iroha had voiced confidence that Nigeria would qualify for the 2026 World Cup after their impressive 4-0 victory over the Benin Republic.

The decisive win against the Cheetahs, while not enough to secure an automatic qualification, ensured Nigeria’s progression to the CAF play-offs as one of the four best runners-up.

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Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.