Confirmed: Semi Ajayi left behind as Hull City terminate Nigeria star’s contract

Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi is now the only Nigerian star left in Hull City's first team squad following the departure of compatriot David Akintola, Soccernet.ng reports.

Akintola's long-awaited Premier League opportunity has ended without him playing a single minute in England's top division. The Nigerian winger has left Hull City after the club terminated his contract, bringing an abrupt end to a spell that began with the promise of a Premier League breakthrough.

Akintola joined Hull in August 2025, signing a two-year contract after leaving Turkish club Çaykur Rizespor. The move was a major step for the Oyo-born attacker, who had spent his career moving through football in Denmark, Norway, Cyprus and Turkey before finally reaching England at the age of 29.

His first season at the MKM Stadium produced 20 Championship appearances, with most of his minutes coming from the bench. He scored once and supplied two assists. That goal came in October, when Akintola helped Hull secure a 1-0 victory over Sheffield United.

His situation changed dramatically after the winter transfer window. Akintola's last appearance for Hull came on January 24, when he entered as a substitute in a 2-1 Championship victory over Swansea City. He was then left outside the club's registered squad for the second half of the campaign.

Hull still needed him when injuries hit, but attempts to restore him to the squad were initially rejected by the EFL. A later request was approved after Eliot Matazo suffered a serious knee injury, allowing Akintola to be added to the squad for the Championship play-off final against Middlesbrough.

He was therefore part of the promotion story, even though he did not play in Hull's 1-0 victory at Wembley on May 23. Oli McBurnie's 95th-minute goal sent the Tigers back into the Premier League after a nine-year absence.

Promotion should have opened the door to the dream Akintola spoke about when he arrived in England. Instead, it became the beginning of the end.

Premier League: Akintola exits soaring Hull City

By the start of the 2026-27 campaign, Hull had added several attacking options as manager Sergej Jakirović reshaped his squad for the top flight. Akintola was registered initially, but his future at the club was already uncertain. Now the 30-year-old is leaving without making his Premier League debut.

Hull City confirmed that Akintola's contract was mutually terminated in order to allow him complete a permanent transfer to Cypriot side Omonoia FC.

Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi, though, remains at Hull City and continues to be a key part of their challenge. The Nigeria international has been one of the standout performers of their first three matchdays in the 2026-27 Premier League season.

On Hull City's return to the English top-tier after a nine-year absence, Ajayi has helped the club keep three straight cleans sheets and stay unbeaten. The Tigers defeated Manchester United and Coventry City before battling to a creditable goalless draw with Aston Villa. Ajayi and teammates now boast seven points from three games to sit in third place on the table behind only champions Arsenal and Manchester City.