Nigerian international defender Semi Ajayi has been thrust into the spotlight off the pitch following accusations by UK-based social media influencer, Amel Akhtar, who claims the footballer led her on with promises of marriage before abruptly cutting off contact.
Akhtar, a well-known personality on Instagram, shared a cryptic exposé online, alleging that a former West Bromwich Albion player — widely believed to be Ajayi — misled her into believing they were in a committed relationship. Although she didn’t mention his name outright, fans quickly linked the details to Ajayi, who recently departed West Brom following the expiration of his contract.
In screenshots of WhatsApp conversations shared on her Instagram Stories, Akhtar accused the 30-year-old defender of using national team duties — including Nigeria’s recent Unity Cup appearance and a friendly against Russia — as excuses to justify his silence. She claimed that despite telling her he was unavailable, Ajayi remained active on social media, prompting her to suspect she was being deliberately ignored.
“He sold me dreams about marriage, starting a family, and made me believe I was ‘the one,’” Akhtar wrote. “But he ghosted me for a whole week while pretending to be busy with football.”
Ajayi, known for his calm presence in defence for Nigeria’s Super Eagles, has yet to comment publicly on the allegations.
The unfolding drama has ignited debates online about the private lives of professional athletes, particularly concerning issues of trust, emotional manipulation, and the pressure that comes with dating high-profile personalities.
While some fans have sympathized with Akhtar’s experience, others have cautioned against drawing conclusions without hearing Ajayi’s side. As the conversation gains momentum, it remains unclear whether the controversy will have any lasting impact on the defender’s career or public image.
