AFCON match between Algeria and the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Grand Stade on January 10th, 2026 in Marrakech, Morocco. Credit: Segun OgunfeyitimixImago
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set for a four-nation tournament during the March International break and have had a major boost in their preparations, alongside EFL Championship side Hull City, Soccernet.ng reports.
Semi Ajayi represented Eric Chelle’s men at the AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco and played six games before suffering a hamstring problem in the third-place clash against Egypt.
The hamstring tear has seen the 32-year-old out of action since the 17th of January, but Sergej Jakirovic’s side are set to have the AFCON silver-medallist in the team this week.
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Semi Ajayi returns for Championship decider
Hull City are currently fifth on the EFL Championship table, three points behind second-placed Middlesbrough, and the Tigers are dreaming of promotion to the English top-flight for the first time in nine years.
They play against fourth-placed Ipswich Town tomorrow, and Ajayi has picked the perfect time to return. Hull’s assistant coach admitted the Nigerian’s return is a huge boost for his side.
“We’re fine, we’ve got a couple of bumps and niggles from the weekend,” Dean Holden told Hull Live in quotes revealed by Hull Daily Mail.
“Everybody’s come through unscathed, and we’ll welcome Semi back into the squad, which is a big boost for us. He’s been out for a decent amount of time since that AFCON game.
“He’s not had loads of training, but trained again this morning (Monday), looks fine, and he’ll come back in, so that’s a big boost,” the 46-year-old concluded.
Super Eagles and Hull City get massive boost
Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles are set to take on Iran, Jordan and Costa Rica in a four-nation tournament starting at the end of the month, but the recent missile strikes that have hit Iran have raised concerns about the feasibility of the competition at this time.
Should a go-ahead be given, Ajayi’s return will serve as a form of experience for the younger players to lean on during the FIFA window, should Eric Chelle decide to include any.
For Hull City, a player with Premier League experience is needed to guide a relatively younger side in the remaining twelve games left to complete the Championship season.
Ajayi’s last game for Hull City came in the early days of December, and a return against Ipswich will make the end of his three-month absence.
Adefolahan Guerreiro
Adefolahan is a multilingual sports journalist and football writer whose work spans outlets like Soccernet Nigeria, Pure Football UK, and Royalsportz.
With a sharp eye for detail and a background in college sports, he tells the African football story with depth, flair, and global perspective.
Fluent in English, Spanish, and German, he brings a cross-cultural voice to his coverage, blending insight with accessibility for readers around the world.
His portfolio includes interviews with top Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, Sikiru Alimi, Sodiq Ismaila, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.
A devoted Borussia Dortmund fan, Adefolahan thrives on the emotion and rhythm of the beautiful game. Away from work, he’s a sci-fi enthusiast and series lover who enjoys exploring how sport, storytelling, and culture collide.
