Semi Ajayi was in action as Hull City gained promotion to the Premier League after a 1-0 win the Championship playoff final against Middlesbrough on Saturday at Wembley Stadium.
Premier League Return For Ajayi
Ajayi who was in the starting eleven for Hull, saw 90 minutes of action in the encounter.
The Super Eagles star featured in the Premier League during his spell at West Bromwich Albion.
Also at Arsenal he was an unused substitute in games against Hull City, Stoke City and Newcastle in the Premier League.
Ajayi will now make a return to the topflight, as Oli McBurnie scored the only goal against Middlesbrough in the fifth minute of stoppage time to help his side gain promotion alongside Coventry City and Ipswich Town.
The playoff final was played amid the ‘Spygate’ furore which has rocked English football since the playoff semifinals. Southampton, who beat Middlesbrough in the semifinals, were expelled from the final by the EFL because they illegally spied on their opponents, ESPN reports.
Hull, who only discovered their eventual final opponents just days ago, eventually overcame Boro.
Oli McBurnie The Hero For Hull
Scorching heat marred the Wembley game on Saturday, but McBurnie had the final say when a cross was spilled into his path by Boro goalkeeper Sol Brynn.
Hull became the first team since Blackpool in 2010 to finish sixth in the Championship before winning the playoffs. They battled through both legs of the semifinals and the final without conceding a goal.
Also Read: AFCON 2025: Ajayi’s Absence Big Headache For Hull City –Jakirović
Relegated already from the Premier League are Wolves and Burnley. On Sunday, the third relegation side will be decided between West Ham and Tottenham.
This was the last Championship season with only four sides in the playoffs. Next year, the format will expand to six teams.
Hull City Manager’s Reaction
Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic, in a chat with Sky Sports, said it is an amazing feeling, stating that they did it because they suffered a lot with the game.
“Like I said before the game, they are really happy with the ball, okay they didn’t get great chances and then after 15-minutes we changed our shape. Crooks tried to help Oli.
“It was very good. Oli enjoys to play this type of game. We agreed he would score 15 goals.
“The regular season was the worst and then we started a completely new tournament and it matter how many points you won there.
“It is about pressure because you have time to fix everything. This is very demanding and a very difficult league, this is intensity and it is unbelievable.”
By James Agberebi
