Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi has been singled out for praise by Hull City striker Oli McBurnie after the Nigerian’s crucial contribution to the Tigers’ successful promotion back to the English Premier League, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 32-year-old enjoyed an impressive debut campaign at the MKM Stadium following his arrival as a free agent from West Bromwich Albion last summer, quickly establishing himself as one of Hull City’s defensive leaders.
Despite his hamstring problems, the experienced centre-back played a key role throughout the Championship season as Hull secured a return to the English top flight, capping the campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough in the Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium.
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While McBurnie grabbed the decisive goal that sealed promotion, the Scottish striker has now revealed that the move began with an incisive forward pass from the Super Eagles defender.
McBurnie praises Semi Ajayi’s role in Wembley winner
Reflecting on the memorable moment, McBurnie credited Ajayi for sparking the attack that ultimately earned Hull City promotion.
“I remember Semi (Ajayi) playing into me, and me playing out wide to Yu (Hirakawa), and then the next minute I remember is me kicking a ball in the net,” McBurnie told Hull Daily Mail.
“After that, it’s kind of a bit of a blur until I look into the Middlesbrough fans. Just devastation,” the 29-year-old continued.
“I remember walking back, and then as I’m walking back, that’s when I can see all the Hull fans going crazy.”
Ajayi’s line-breaking pass found McBurnie between the lines before the striker combined with Japanese winger Yu Hirakawa, who returned the ball for the former Sheffield United forward to finish past the goalkeeper.
Although McBurnie applied the final touch, Ajayi’s vision and composure in possession proved vital in unlocking Middlesbrough’s defence during the biggest game of Hull City’s season.
The Nigerian international made 24 Championship appearances during the campaign, contributing one goal and one assist while bringing leadership, aerial dominance and defensive stability to the Tigers’ backline.
Having helped Hull City regain their Premier League status at the first attempt, Ajayi will now be aiming to carry that momentum into the 2026/27 campaign as the Tigers look to avoid a return to the EFL Championship at the end of the season.
