English Premier League
Hull City to support Semi Ajayi after Nigeria’s World Cup exit
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye
Hull City manager Sergej Jakirović is set to offer full support to veteran defender Semi Ajayi following Nigeria’s painful failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 32-year-old centre-back will return to the Cottingham training ground this week after a challenging international break with the Super Eagles, who were eliminated in the World Cup qualifiers.
Ajayi will rejoin his club teammates still carrying the weight of Nigeria’s second consecutive World Cup miss.
The Super Eagles’ qualification campaign was filled with frustration, as they narrowly reached the final four play-offs as the lowest-ranked group runner-up.
Despite a thrilling 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon, Nigeria could not sustain that momentum in the decisive playoff against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The final match ended 1–1 after extra time, forcing a penalty shootout. Ajayi, who took the sixth penalty for Nigeria, unfortunately missed the crucial spot-kick that allowed DR Congo to advance, dashing Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
For Ajayi, the miss is especially painful, as it may have been his last opportunity to represent Nigeria in a World Cup. Despite the emotional toll, Hull City is counting on his professionalism, resilience, and leadership as they prepare for their next Championship fixture against Queens Park Rangers (QPR) on Saturday.
Jakirović is expected to provide Ajayi with the necessary support as the defender looks to quickly regroup and refocus on club duty, aiming to help Hull City strengthen their position in the Championship play-off race.
