Super Eagles news: Ajayi explains how Hull City can maintain EPL start

Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi has explained what Hull City must do to maintain their impressive start to the 2026/27 Premier League season.

The Tigers have made a promising return to the English top flight after securing promotion through the Championship play-offs, beating Middlesbrough 1-0 in a hard-fought final.

The victory secured Hull City’s first promotion to the Premier League since the 2016/17 season, as they joined Coventry City and Ipswich Town in making the step up to the top flight.

Since returning to the Premier League, Hull City have picked up three wins from their first six games and sit eighth in the standings with nine points. 

Ajayi reflects on Hull City’s bright start

The Super Eagles defender has been an important part of Hull City’s campaign so far, featuring in all of their six matches and ranking among the players with the most minutes for the club this season.

Ajayi, who has previously revealed that he wants to help the club retain their Premier League status at the end of the season, believes they must remain focused on the work ahead, with the season still a long way from conclusion.

“It’s been a good start. We’re happy with the work we’ve done so far”, the Super Eagles defender told Footy-Africa.

“We know we haven’t done anything yet. There’s still a long way to go in the season, but we put ourselves in a really good position to have a positive season, so we’re really happy.”

Ajayi made an immediate impact at the start of the campaign, scoring Hull City’s first Premier League goal in nine years during their remarkable 2-0 victory over Manchester United on the opening weekend.

The Super Eagles defender described scoring on the club’s return to the top flight as a special moment and stressed that securing all three points was more important than his individual achievement.

“It was a blessing to score the first goal back in the Premier League, also against a massive team like Manchester United—something I don’t take lightly”, Ajayi added.

“It was more important for me really that we got the three points and the win, which we did. So yeah, I was pleased.”

Super Eagles star explains how Hull City can maintain their form

With Hull City looking to build on their early-season results, Ajayi has stressed the importance of approaching every match with the aim of collecting points.

The Tigers drew 2-2 with Everton in their most recent outing and will be looking to carry their momentum into their upcoming fixtures.

“It’s just another game that we need to win, and we want to pick up points. Every single game is going to be tough this year. We know that every team plays differently, so we’ll approach that game with a new game plan and try to get as many points as we can”, he continued.

Hull City’s impressive start has already drawn comparisons with Sunderland’s campaign last season, when the Black Cats finished seventh and qualified for the Europa League.

However, Ajayi has played down those comparisons, insisting that Hull City must concentrate on their own progress rather than trying to replicate another club’s achievements.

“We’re not really focused on Sunderland. We’re focused on ourselves.

“We have to do our own thing. We have to be Hull City. Sunderland had an amazing season last season, but it’s down to us to create our own history”, the Super Eagles defender concluded.

Hull City will return to action against Fulham on Saturday as they look to continue their impressive start to the season.

Ajayi will be hoping to deliver another strong performance as the Tigers seek to maintain their momentum in the Premier League this season.