Hull City issue Semi Ajayi update following AFCON injury

Super Eagles and Hull City centre-back Semi Ajayi is edging closer to full fitness after suffering a hamstring tear at the AFCON 2025 tournament, Afrik Foot reports.

The 32-year-old played all but one of Nigeria’s seven games at the AFCON 2025 tournament, scoring in the opening game against Tanzania.

While he was rested for the final group game against Uganda, Ajayi played every minute from then on until the 89th against Egypt, where he pulled his hamstring, something that appears to be a recurring problem.

Semi Ajayi returns to Hull City training

Prior to the AFCON 2025 tournament, the Arsenal Academy graduate had suffered three hamstring tears in the past year, one of the reasons West Bromwich Albion opted against renewing his contract at the Hawthorns.

Semi Ajayi has now started running again after five weeks out and is due to return to full training next week.

Hull City’s head coach, Sergej Jakirovic, speaking ahead of his side’s 1-3 defeat to Queens Park Rangers today, revealed Ajayi is set to resume training next week.

“Crooksy looks like he will be available for Portsmouth away, Semi Ajayi, next week, he will start group training with us,” the Bosnian coach said in quotes revealed by Hull City Live.

“We do have a problem, though, with Matty Jacob. Matty had a non-contact injury in Tuesday’s training session, and there is an MCL grade two injury, so we will lose him for six to eight weeks. It means we have lost an option at left full-back,” Jakirovic concluded.

The Tigers are losing ground in their pursuit of a play-off spot after losing their last three games. They’re currently 5th, but could’ve been second if they secured all nine points in that time.