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Nigerian international Semi Ajayi secured promotion to the Premier League with Hull City following a dramatic EFL Championship play-off final victory over Middlesbrough.
An added-time goal from Oli McBurnie proved decisive as Hull City overcame Middlesbrough and completed their return to the English top flight.
Ajayi put in a composed defensive performance and played the full 90 minutes of the tense encounter.
The Nigerian defender recorded 18 passes, including six in the final third, as well as contributing one tackle, six clearances, one interception and one ball recovery.
The 32-year-old endured an injury-disrupted campaign, featuring in 22 of Hull City’s 48 games this season.
Hamstring injuries ruled him out of 20 matches, while he also missed two matches due to international duty with Nigeria in the African Cup of Nations.
Hull City finished sixth in the Championship standings, narrowly clinching a playoff spot ahead of Wrexham by just two points.
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Throughout the campaign, Hull recorded 21 wins, 10 draws and 15 losses, and conceded 66 goals in 46 league games, a defensive record that highlighted the work that still needed to be done within the team.
However, those concerns have been overshadowed by the club’s successful promotion push, with players and supporters now focused on celebrating a memorable achievement.
Several members of the current squad are expected to leave this summer as club owner Acun Ilıcalı prepares for an ambitious Premier League project.
The Turkish businessman has already started making plans to strengthen the team ahead of the new season, as Hull City aim for long-term survival and stability in the top flight.
