AFCON 2025 Fallout: Ajayi out for two months, and Zidane and Belghali banned by CAF
Super Eagles and Hull City defender Semi Ajayi has been ruled out for two months after sustaining a hamstring injury during Nigeria’s third-place match at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 31-year-old limped out in added time of the Super Eagles’ victory over Egypt on Sunday, and scan results have since confirmed damage to his hamstring.
The injury is expected to sideline Ajayi for approximately seven weeks, dealing another major blow to the Championship promotion chasers who have already lost Mo Belloumi and Darko Gyabi to long-term injuries in recent weeks.
Despite the setback, Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic’s men claimed three points on the road, defeating Preston North End 3-0 with goals from Liam Millar, Akin Famewo and Oli McBurnie.
Elsewhere, Algerian players Luca Zidane and Rafik Belghali have been banned for two and four matches respectively for their part in ugly scenes following a quarter-final defeat to Nigeria at the African Cup of Nations.
The news was announced on Wednesday by the Algerian football federation (FAF), which was fined $100,000 for security lapses and improper conduct by players, officials and supporters.
Goalkeeper Zidane and defender Belghali will serve their suspensions during qualifying for the 2027 tournament.
The FAF said it was appealing to challenge the sanctions.
Algeria were denied a penalty with the game locked at 0-0 before they eventually lost 2-0 to Nigeria thanks to second-half goals by Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams.
After the final whistle, a scuffle broke out between both sets of players and staff. The FAF said the fines included charges for fans attempting to invade the pitch and displaying banknotes towards match officials.
