Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi is back in the Premier League after helping Hull City secure promotion with a dramatic win over Middlesbrough in the Championship playoff final.
Hull sealed promotion on Saturday after striker Oli McBurnie scored a stoppage-time winner in a tense 1-0 victory at Wembley Stadium.
The result ended Hull’s nine-year absence from England’s top flight.
For Ajayi, the promotion marks another important chapter in a long football journey that began in the lower divisions of English football before spells at Rotherham United and West Bromwich Albion.
The Nigerian defender joined Hull City last year and quickly became one of the club’s experienced leaders in defence.
After the final whistle, Ajayi celebrated the achievement on social media, calling it a “special moment” for the club and its supporters.
Nigerian fans also praised the defender online for returning to the Premier League after difficult seasons in the Championship.
Hull’s promotion completed one of the biggest turnarounds in English football this season.
Just a year ago, the club narrowly avoided relegation to League One.
They also dealt with financial problems and a transfer embargo earlier in the campaign.
Manager Sergej Jakirovic praised his players’ fighting spirit after the match, while club owner Acun Ilicali described the victory as “the best day” of his life.
McBurnie’s winning goal is expected to earn Hull more than £200 million through Premier League television money and commercial revenue.
The Tigers will now prepare for life back in the Premier League, while Ajayi is expected to remain an important figure for both Hull City and Nigeria ahead of the 2027 AFCON Qualifiers tournament which starts soon.
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