‘I’m Getting Back To My Best’, Ajayi Relishes Return After AFCON Injury Nightmare

After a frustrating campaign marred by persistent physical setbacks, Hull City defender Semi Ajayi has expressed his elation at returning to full fitness and regular first-team football, just as the Championship season enters its critical final phase.

The 32-year-old Nigeria international has endured a stop-start season since joining the Tigers on a free transfer last summer. His campaign was severely disrupted when he suffered a hamstring injury while representing the Super Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations a setback that forced him to the sidelines for approximately two months.

That spell on the treatment table was particularly disheartening for Ajayi, as it followed an earlier three-month absence earlier in the season due to the identical problem.

The recurring nature of the injury tested the defender’s resilience, but he has now successfully battled back to full match sharpness.

Ajayi has made three appearances for Hull this month, signaling his full recovery. The most significant of these came last Saturday, when he completed the entire 90 minutes in a difficult fixture against his former employers, West Bromwich Albion.

It was a milestone moment for the centre-back, marking only his second full game since his latest return.

Reflecting on his journey back to the pitch, Ajayi spoke with optimism about his current condition and his ambitions for the remainder of the season. “I am feeling really good. It was my second 90 minutes, so I am getting back into the full swing of things and looking forward to pushing for the rest of the season,” Ajayi told the club’s official website.

With Hull City setting their sights on securing a Sky Bet Championship playoff berth, the experience and solidity of a fully-fit Ajayi could prove invaluable.

Now back in rhythm and feeling stronger with each passing game, the defender is determined to play a pivotal role in driving the Tigers’ promotion push down the stretch.