Semi Ajayi played a key role as Hull City secured promotion to the Premier League following a 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough in the Championship playoff final at Wembley on Saturday.
The Super Eagles defender completed 90 minutes in a disciplined defensive display that helped the Tigers keep a clean sheet and seal their return to England’s top flight for the first time since the 2016/17 season.
The victory marks a return to the Premier League stage for Ajayi, who last featured in the competition during the 2020/21 season with West Bromwich Albion, where he made 33 appearances and scored twice.
Hull City’s promotion completes a remarkable playoff campaign, having earlier defeated Millwall 2-0 to reach the final.
The final at Wembley was decided in dramatic fashion, with Oli McBurnie scoring a 95th-minute winner to secure Hull City’s return to the Premier League.
With the result, Hull join Coventry City and Ipswich Town as the three teams promoted from the Championship this season. Coventry were crowned champions with 95 points, while Ipswich finished second with 84 points.
Ajayi’s promotion adds to a growing list of Super Eagles players currently featuring in the Premier League, including Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Taiwo Awoniyi and Frank Onyeka.
