Semi Ajayi made his return to action for West Bromwich Albion in their Premier League 2 victory over Newcastle United on Monday night.

The Nigerian defender played the entire first half as he continues to build up his fitness after a lengthy injury layoff.

Ajayi had been sidelined for about four months after suffering a hamstring injury during the first half of West Brom’s Sky Bet Championship clash against Cardiff City last October.

He is expected to regain full match fitness within the next two weeks, which comes as a boost for Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March.

Ajayi is likely to be included in the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.