“Hull City are lucky” – Ex-Super Eagles star blames West Brom for Semi Ajayi’s exit

Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi has left many surprised with his move away from West Bromwich Albion to Hull City…

Former Super Eagles forward, Garba Lawal, has praised Hull City for securing the services of Nigerian international defender Semi Ajayi, Soccernet.ng reports.

Lawal, who formerly donned the colours of Portuguese club Santa Clara, described the deal as a bargain for the EFL Championship side.

Ajayi left West Bromwich Albion last month after five years at The Hawthorns, which left many Nigerian football followers surprised, including Lawal.

Lawal, weighing in on the transfer move, questioned the Baggies’ decision not to renew the 31-year-old's contract.

Now, the former Arsenal defender has signed a two-year deal with Hull City, with an option to extend for another year.

Super Eagles: What Has Lawal Said On Ajayi Move?

In an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa, Lawal shared his thoughts on the transfer, saying:

“I honestly do not understand why West Brom did not offer him a new deal. He’s a solid player, and since coming back from that long injury layoff, he’s shown great composure and physical strength.”

The 57-capped ex-Nigerian international further revealed Ajayi’s positive impact in Nigeria’s recent international matches, which makes it a good deal for Hull City.

“Semi looked good in the last Super Eagles outing. He’s still got fire in him, and Hull City are lucky to have snapped him up,” Lawal added.

Ajayi Joins Okocha’s Former Club – Hull City

Following the move, Ajayi, has followed in the footsteps of Super Eagles legend Jay Jay Okocha, who played for Hull City between 2007 and 2008, making 18 appearances for the club.

The Tigers narrowly avoided relegation last season and are now hoping that Ajayi’s experience will bolster their squad in the new campaign.

Ajayi brings with him an impressive résumé that includes Premier League and Championship experience, as well as 43 caps with the Super Eagles. In 177 appearances for West Brom, he registered 13 goals and three assists.

Super Eagles’ Ajayi Praises Hull City Boss

Earlier, Ajayi expressed excitement about working under Hull City’s new manager, Sergej Jakirović. The Croatian tactician, who recently guided Dinamo Zagreb to a league and cup double, also joined Hull this summer.

Sergej Jakirovic joins Hull City after a spell in charge of Turkish Super Lig side Kayserispor. pic.twitter.com/yjuOeJASXs

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 11, 2025

“He’s pushed us a lot, and obviously he’s a serial winner, so he wants to win, and that’s what he demands from us,” Ajayi said. “We’re already starting to see the fruits of it,”

With the EFL Championship season set to begin on August 9th with a trip to Coventry, Hull City fans will be eager to see if Ajayi can quickly establish himself as a key figure in Jakirović’s backline.