Hull City are currently in discussions with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to delay Semi Ajayi’s release for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, as the club hopes to keep the defender for an additional three days before he joins the national team camp.

Ajayi is scheduled to link up with the Super Eagles in Egypt on December 11, ahead of the team’s final preparations for the AFCON. However, that date falls just a day after Hull City’s crucial Sky Bet Championship encounter with Wrexham.

According to Hull Daily Mail, the Tigers are requesting permission from the NFF to retain the centre-back until December 14. The club believes his presence is vital as they push through an intense period in their promotion campaign.

The 31-year-old has been nothing short of exceptional since joining Hull City on a free transfer during the summer. Ajayi scored his debut goal in last weekend’s 2–1 win over Stoke City and was also named Man of the Match—a testament to his growing influence at the heart of their defence.

For Nigeria, however, Ajayi’s availability is equally critical. With young defender Benjamin Fredrick recovering from injury, the Super Eagles will rely heavily on Ajayi’s experience. He remains one of the team’s most trusted options, having played every minute of Nigeria’s seven matches during the AFCON 2023 tournament in Côte d’Ivoire.

Opinion: The Club vs Country Debate—Ajayi Caught in the Middle

Ajayi’s situation highlights a familiar tension in football: the delicate balance between club needs and national duty.

From Hull City’s perspective, their request is understandable. Ajayi isn’t just another squad member—he has quickly become one of their most reliable performers, a leader on and off the pitch, and a defender whose confidence is rubbing off on the entire backline. Losing him ahead of a tight Championship fixture could impact momentum.

But from Nigeria’s standpoint, preparation for a continental tournament like AFCON cannot be treated lightly. Camps are carefully planned, tactical structures take time, and chemistry—especially in defence—is built through consistency. Asking a key defender to arrive late disrupts that rhythm.

Both sides have valid arguments. Yet whatever decision the NFF makes, one thing remains clear: Semi Ajayi has become so indispensable that club and country are now tugging from opposite ends. And ironically, for a defender known for calmness and discipline, it is his importance that has sparked all the pressure.

As AFCON 2025 approaches, fans will hope the situation is handled smoothly, allowing Ajayi to deliver for both Hull City and the Super Eagles without unnecessary strain.