Hull City Struggle Without Ajayi as Coach Jakirović Confirms Return

Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirović has provided a positive update on Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi’s recovery, indicating when the centre-back might return to action.

Ajayi, who joined the Tigers on a free transfer this summer after leaving West Brom, suffered a hamstring injury following his debut in Hull’s Championship opener against Coventry City – a match in which he was praised for helping earn a goalless draw.

That injury ruled Ajayi out of three Championship fixtures and also saw him miss Nigeria’s back to back World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.

While Hull kept a clean sheet in Ajayi’s debut, his absence has since been felt, with the team conceding nine goals in three league matches—an average of three per game.

Speaking ahead of Hull’s Championship clash with Swansea, Jakirović confirmed that Nigerian defender Akin Famewo has regained fitness and will be available for selection. Jakirović added that Ajayi and midfielder Matt Crooks are both working with medical staff and are targeting a return for the fixture against Watford on Saturday, September 27, following a match against Southampton.

Editorial

We see Semi Ajayi’s injury absence as a poignant reminder of how fragile team dynamics can be when a key player is sidelined. His experience and leadership on the field were immediately missing something that became starkly clear as Hull City began conceding heavy losses in his absence.

When a central defender of Ajayi’s calibre goes down, it’s not just a tactical gap that opens it can unsettle the entire defensive structure. The nine goals conceded in three matches suggest that Hull were not just missing an individual, but a stabilising presence.

We believe that Jakirović’s cautious optimism about Ajayi’s recovery is justified. At 33, Ajayi remains one of Hull’s defensive pillars and his return could anchor the backline, restoring structure and confidence. However, recovery from a hamstring injury is seldom straightforward, especially in a physically demanding league like the Championship. It’s not just about healing it’s about regaining match sharpness, fitness, and the trust that comes from consistently playing at full speed.

Ajayi’s injury underscores a broader issue: the overreliance on individual players in defensive systems that have few contingency plans. When one player goes down, teams like Hull can spiral, lacking the depth or cohesion to simply absorb the loss. Coaches must therefore plan for these eventualities not only medically, but tactically and psychologically. The return of Akin Famewo is a boost, but it doesn’t fully compensate for the leadership, aerial threat, and organisational instinct Ajayi brings.

We expect that upon his return, Ajayi will need time to reintegrate not only physically, but also mentally. He must re-establish timing with new or adjusted defensive partners, rebuild his match rhythm, and reassert his role as a leader of the backline. If he can do that successfully, Hull City’s defence could return to a more stable footing. If he struggles, it will leave Hull vulnerable and expose the fragility of their defensive setup.

We believe Ajayi’s return will be pivotal for Hull City’s fortunes. His presence isn’t just about stopping goals it’s about setting a tone, building trust, and grounding the defence. When he comes back, we expect Hull to look more organised and resolute if only because they’ll finally have their defensive cornerstone back.

Did You Know?

1. Semi Ajayi began his senior career with West Bromwich Albion, making his debut in 2013.
2. Ajayi represented England at youth level before switching allegiance to Nigeria, making his senior Super Eagles debut in 2018.
3. Hamstring injuries are one of the most common soft-tissue injuries among professional footballers and can take several weeks to fully resolve, depending on severity.
4. Hull City picked up Semi Ajayi on a free transfer from West Brom in July 2025, following the end of his contract.
5. Akin Famewo, who has rejoined Hull’s squad, previously played for Norwich City and Sheffield Wednesday, and has been considered a promising centre-back in the English Football League.