Hull City Boss Urges Super Eagles Coach to Hand Semi Ajayi Game Time in World Cup Qualifiers

Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic has appealed to Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, to give defender Semi Ajayi some playing time during Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Benin Republic and Lesotho this month.

Jakirovic believes the international fixtures present the perfect opportunity for Ajayi to regain match fitness following his recent recovery from injury.

The 31-year-old centre-back was recently included in Nigeria’s final 23-man squad for the upcoming qualifiers but has seen limited minutes since returning to full fitness — featuring for just eight minutes in Hull City’s last two matches.

Speaking after Hull City’s 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United over the weekend, Jakirovic told Hull Live:

“I’m OK because you cannot stop them. I know that next year is the World Cup, so when it is the World Cup, everyone is buzzing.
I hope he [Ajayi] will play something there because he needs it, and Liam as well. I hope they will return healthy.”

Opinion: Jakirovic’s Request Makes Sense — and Nigeria Could Benefit Too

Jakirovic’s words might sound self-serving at first, but they actually reveal a fair point. Semi Ajayi is a player who thrives on rhythm — when he’s fit and active, his defensive awareness and aerial strength stand out. Right now, after weeks on the sidelines, he needs minutes to rediscover sharpness.

For Nigeria, it’s also an opportunity. The Super Eagles have shown inconsistency in defence lately, and a fully fit Ajayi could add experience and calmness at the back. His ability to read the game and organize the backline could prove vital in tight qualifiers where a single defensive lapse can make the difference.

However, Chelle must balance this carefully — overplaying a recovering player could risk a setback. The ideal approach would be to give Ajayi some minutes, perhaps one full game, to build confidence without strain.

In the end, both Hull City and the Super Eagles stand to gain from Ajayi’s proper reintegration. A sharp, injury-free Ajayi isn’t just good for club form — it’s an asset for Nigeria’s World Cup dreams.