Why Semi Ajayi didn’t feature against Preston – Hull City head coach

Super Eagles and Hull City centre-back Semi Ajayi has been stepping up his progress in recovery from a hamstring injury, Soccernet.ng reports.

The former Arsenal man has suffered subsequent hamstring injuries in the past year, playing just three ninety-minute games since the turn of the year.

With South Africa suffering a three-point deduction, Ajayi's return to full fitness is a boost for Eric Chelle's side as they look to reclaim a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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Hull City coach, Sergej Jakirovic, revealed the Nigerian defender continued his fitness journey by playing with the club's U-21 side, and was in line to feature against Preston North End a few days back.

However, when Ryan Giles came off with a cramp, it was Nigeria-eligible defender Akin Famewo who got the nod to come on at the MKM Stadium and not Ajayi.

The game ended in a 2-2 draw with Oli McBurnie scoring a brace for the Tigers. After the game, Jakirovic revealed why he chose not to bring the Nigerian defender on.

“I spoke yesterday (Monday) with Semi and he asked me for a little more time, so maybe he will be in the squad for this Saturday,” the Croatian told Hull Live in quotes revealed by Hull Daily Mail.

“Crooks trained yesterday (Monday) with us for seventy per cent of the training, and then he did some individual work.

“We will see for this Saturday, but after Saturday, he will be in the squad,” the Bosnian concluded.

Hull City are currently 14th on the EFL Championship table, three points above the relegation spots.