Super Eagles and Hull City defender Semi Ajayi came off the bench to help his side seal a 2-0 win over Norwich, drawing praise from the club coach, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 31-year-old played two full 90-minute games after the October International break, but was benched heading into the clash at Carrow Road.
Ajayi replaced Amir Hadziahmetovic at half-time, and four minutes later, Joe Gelhardt broke the deadlock for Sergej Jakirovic's side before Darko Gyabi scored the second three minutes from time.
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After the game, Hull City head coach Jakirovic was pleased that his side was able to seal all three points away from home.
“We survived in the first half,” the 48-year-old said in quotes revealed by Hull Daily Mail.
“They were much better than we were, much better. We couldn't do anything, especially, I can say, in possession, out of possession. I think they had seven clear chances.
“And we survived. Maybe in the 15 minutes towards the end of the first half, we tried to drop with Amir so that we have more stability in the defensive line.
Jakirovic lauds Semi Ajayi
According to the Bosnian manager, the former Arsenal defender brought some stability to the Hull defence upon his introduction at half-time.
“With Semi (Ajayi), we gained stability and tried to press them with two wingers and Kyle in front.
“Then it's one against one all over the pitch, and especially when Joffy (Gelhardt) scored the goal, then it's your confidence, it's much better.
“They are under pressure due to five consecutive defeats. We tried to use that, but they were much better, I can admit easily, but this football.
“You have to get to half-time (goalless), and I knew at half-time that we could not play like we did in the first half.
“This is not possible because we didn't show up here. It's a huge victory for us, especially after 15 years, as we broke the curse and also secured our third win since 1972.
“It's a huge victory, huge three points, and we're looking forward.
“Semi gave us stability, and because they are with this number 10 in the pockets with the half spaces, they caused a lot of danger for us, especially when it's open ball.
“The captain (Kenny McLean), when he opens up with the ball, Number 23 for me, great player.
“He sees everything, and then it's behind your back; it's very dangerous. They are very quick in front.
“They are a little bit unlucky because in previous games they were much better.
“They had a lot of chances, but they didn't score, and this is something in this season for them, but they're playing well
“I knew before this game that it would be a mentally demanding game because when you watch the table, it's eight points (the gap between both clubs before the game), we have 19.
“We are in a comfort zone, but in every game in the Championship, it is very difficult.
“I was very, very calm at half-time because you need to encourage them to be braver on the ball, to believe in themselves, and that was the main goal in the dressing room,” he concluded.
