Hull boss Jakirovic hopes international break helps Nigeria’s Semi Ajayi regain full fitness
Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic believes the international break could play a crucial role in helping Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi regain full fitness after a difficult spell with injury.
Ajayi, who has struggled with a hamstring problem since August, was recently called up by Nigeria for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic.
The 31-year-old has played only eight minutes of competitive football since the setback but has begun his recovery by featuring for Hull’s U-21 side in recent weeks.
Jakirovic expressed hope that the defender’s involvement with the Super Eagles will help accelerate his return to peak condition, noting that consistent game time would benefit both player and club.
“Maybe, I don’t know. I hope they all will play something – Semi (Ajayi) and Liam (Millar) – and they will return healthy,” the Bosnian manager told Hull Daily Mail.
“You cannot stop them. I know that next year is the World Cup, so when it’s the World Cup, everyone is buzzing. I hope he (Ajayi) will play something there because he needs it.”
The Hull boss added that Ajayi’s minutes in the youth setup showed encouraging signs of progress and suggested the international fixtures could provide the perfect setting for the defender to rebuild rhythm and confidence after weeks on the sidelines.
Hull City are currently 14th in the EFL Championship table, just three points clear of the relegation zone.
Jakirovic hopes Ajayi will return from international duty sharper and ready to contribute to their campaign as the Tigers seek to climb up the standings in the coming weeks.
