Semi Ajayi Returns to Premier League After Hull City’s Play‑off Triumph
Nigeria defender Semi Ajayi will play Premier League football next season after Hull City secured promotion with a 1‑0 victory over Middlesbrough in the Championship play‑off final at Wembley on Saturday.
The Tigers appeared headed for extra time until Oli McBurnie scored deep into stoppage time, sending Hull back to the top flight after a nine‑year absence.
Ajayi, making one of the biggest appearances of his career, delivered a composed performance at the heart of Hull’s defence alongside John Egan, frustrating Middlesbrough for long spells in a tense, scrappy encounter.
The decisive moment came in the fifth minute of added time. Yu Hirakawa’s cross slipped through the hands of goalkeeper Sol Brynn, and McBurnie reacted quickest, stabbing home from close range to ignite wild celebrations among the Hull supporters.
At 32, Ajayi joined Hull City on a free transfer last summer after departing West Bromwich Albion, where he spent six seasons and established himself as one of the Championship’s most reliable defenders without achieving promotion.
After years of near misses, the 54‑cap Super Eagles centre‑back has finally earned a shot in the Premier League.
Hull’s promotion also marked a remarkable turnaround under head coach Sergej Jakirovic. The club had finished in the lower half of the table the previous season but built momentum at the right time to storm through the play‑offs.
Their semi‑final campaign began with a goalless first leg against Millwall before a clinical 2‑0 away win at The Den booked their place at Wembley.
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