Semi Ajayi sets Hull City target after dream Premier League start

Super Eagles and Hull City defender Semi Ajayi has revealed his target for the club this season following their remarkable return to the English Premier League, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Tigers marked their return to the English top flight action for the first time since 2017 with a surprise 2-0 victory over Manchester United last Saturday.

Despite playing their first Premier League game in almost a decade, Hull City showed no fear and rose to the occasion with an impressive performance against last season's third-placed side.

Ajayi opened the scoring in the first half, making history as Hull City's first player to score a Premier League goal since 2017. It was also his second spell in the Premier League after previously playing for West Bromwich Albion.

Club-record signing Nobel Mendy doubled Hull City's advantage before half-time, and the Tigers held on to secure a memorable victory and begin their campaign with three valuable points.

Semi Ajayi reveals season ambition with Hull City

The Super Eagles defender was deservedly named Player of the Match after his impressive display against Manchester United, marking a memorable return to top-flight football.

With tougher challenges expected as the season progresses, the 32-year-old believes Hull City are capable of achieving more and is targeting more wins to help them secure their Premier League status.

“It's amazing. I want to play at the highest level and test myself at the highest level”, the Super Eagles defender said, via RG. 

“The Championship fight was not easy, but we proved that our team's quality is able to challenge in the Premier League. It was really a successful season for us, going to Wembley. To be able to achieve that and get the opportunity to be here this season is massive.

“Personally, I just want to win as many games as possible. I will be ready to help the team to keep our place in the Premier League.

“We know it is not an easy fight, and we had a good pre-season preparation for it.”

Nigeria's growing presence at MKM Stadium

Ajayi is not the only Nigerian player at Hull City, with the club also having David Akintola and youngster Okike Calvin in their ranks.

Ajayi believes having fellow Nigerians around him has created a good atmosphere within the squad and that they continue to support and push each other.

“There are even three. We have a good camaraderie in the changing room.

“It's nice to have my brothers alongside me. We always push each other and make sure that we're doing the best we can”, the 32-year-old added.

Super Eagles' AFCON 2027 target

The Super Eagles will begin their campaign to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations next month when they face Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in September before taking on Tanzania in November.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group L and will be fighting for the available qualification spot in the group.

Semi Ajayi is relishing the growing competition for places in the Super Eagles squad, with head coach Eric Chelle having plenty of options to choose from.

“It's good that Nigeria is blessed with so much talent, so it's good that we're able to bring in so many new players and give them an opportunity to represent their country. So far, so good,” he said.

“Everyone's done really, really well and I'm proud.

“I think having competition for places is always good. The more quality players we can pull from is always a good thing because people aren't always going to be available”, Ajayi concluded.

Ajayi will be hoping to continue his impressive start to the season when Hull City return to Premier League action on Saturday against fellow newly promoted side Coventry City, who suffered a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in their opening match.