2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Hull City Boss Urges Chelle To Field Ajayi

2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Hull City Boss Urges Chelle To Field Ajayi

Sampson Adedeji

Hull City manager Sergei Jakirović has encouraged Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle to give Semi Ajayi some playing time during Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifying matches, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Ajayi is set to link up with the Super Eagles camp today ahead of their crucial fixtures against Lesotho and the Benin Republic.

The 31-year-old defender only recently returned from a hamstring injury that kept him sidelined for over a month.

Although he was an unused substitute in Hull’s 2-2 draw against Preston North End, he featured in their 1-0 win over Sheffield United at the weekend.

Ajayi was introduced late in the game to help protect Hull’s narrow lead but conceded a penalty just minutes after coming on, fouling Danny Ings inside the box.

Fortunately for the Tigers, goalkeeper Ivor Pandur saved Harrison Burrows’ spot kick to secure all three points.

Despite still regaining full match fitness, Ajayi earned a call-up to Nigeria’s squad, and Jakirović admitted he would be closely monitoring the defender’s involvement with the national team.

 “I’m OK because you cannot stop them,” the Croatian tactician told Hull Live.

 “I know next year is the World Cup, so everyone is excited. I just hope he (Ajayi) gets some minutes there because he needs them.”