Hull City Rally Behind Semi Ajayi in AFCON 2025 Semi-Final Bid

Hull City defender Semi Ajayi will step onto the pitch for Nigeria in Wednesday night’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against hosts Morocco with the full backing of his club.

The Tigers are keen to see their experienced centre-back progress into Sunday’s final showdown in Rabat.

Ajayi has been a key figure in Nigeria’s run to the last four, and Hull boss Sergej Jakirovic says the club is proud of his achievements on the international stage.

‘It’s a big thing for us, for him, for the club, and I hope he will win the tournament now he is in the semi-final. I hope he will go until the end because he’s playing well,’ Jakirovic told Hull Live.

The semi-final will be played in front of a partisan home crowd at the 53,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, with Morocco chasing their first AFCON title since 1976. Nigeria, meanwhile, are aiming for a ninth final appearance and a fourth continental crown.

Ajayi’s involvement with the Super Eagles has meant missing several Championship fixtures for Hull, and he is not expected to return to club action until later this month.

But Jakirovic insists his player’s success is a source of pride for the Tigers.

‘I have watched every game, and they have a very, very good, almost fantastic team for me, Nigeria, so they are very good, and I hope he will come back healthy,’ the coach added.

Ajayi, 32, will be central to Nigeria’s hopes of overcoming the hosts and booking a place in Sunday’s final, as Hull City continue to cheer him on from afar.