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Update 'Ajayi’s Commanding Hull City Debut Earns "Man Mountain" Praise'

Malissa Fuller
2025-10-22 11:56:26 +00:00
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<br> [impressed](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/category/football-events-and-tournaments/) on his debut for Hull City during their goalless draw at Coventry City. The [Super Eagles](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/news/transfer-news/bayern-munich-activate-release-clause-for-granada-striker-edna-imade/) centre-back, who joined the Tigers after his contract with West Brom expired, was handed a start by coach Sergej Jakirović at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
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<br>In the second half, Ajayi demonstrated his passing prowess with a long cross-field ball to Giles, leading to a teasing delivery that narrowly missed the far post. Moments later he met a lofted free-kick with a header that landed straight in goalkeeper Carl Rushworth's arms.
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<br>Defensively, he dominated—winning three aerial duels, making six tackles and eight clearances, and notably avoiding conceding a foul. Offensively, he not only won a foul but also tested the goalkeeper with a shot on target. Hull Live rated him 8/10 in their squad assessment.
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<br>Hull City correspondent Barry Cooper summed up his performance succinctly "A debut for the former West Brom defender, looked very assured in the first period. A man mountain in the heart of the back four."
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<br>Editorial
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<br>We welcome Semi Ajayi’s commanding display on debut as a statement of intent. His assured defending and aerial [strength provide](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/category/football-and-society/) Smith City or Tigers with an immediate sense of [solidity](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/news/interviews/sunday-oliseh-names-festus-onigbinde-worst-coach-in-super-eagles-history/) at the back.
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<br>We believe that such a composed performance, especially in a goalless draw where defensive discipline was paramount, signals a shrewd acquisition by Hull City. Ajayi’s calm distribution and tackling reliability suggest the team now has a leader in defence.
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<br>We see this as more than just a promising start. Ajayi’s involvement in attack, winning fouls and testing the keeper, shows that he offers a valuable dual threat. His presence could elevate Hull's ambitions in the Championship.
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<br>We sense that Ajayi may well become the defensive linchpin around which stability is built this season. Strong foundations often begin with performances like this, and his debut inspires belief for what lies ahead.
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<br>Did You Know?
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Semi Ajayi stands at 1.93 m a height that naturally aids his dominance in aerial duels.
Since his Championship debut in January 2017, Ajayi has made over 200 appearances at that level for multiple clubs.
Before [joining Hull](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/category/player-health-and-injuries/) City in June 2025, he spent six years at [West Bromwich](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/youth-football/nigeria-vs-senegal-dramatic-showdown-at-egypt-2025-u-20-afcon-quarters/) Albion.
Ajayi was part of Nigeria’s AFCON squad and helped the Super Eagles finish as [runners-up](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/news/interviews/benjamin-boldly-backs-flying-eagles-ahead-of-morocco-clash/) at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
His full name is Oluwasemilogo Adesewo Ibidapo "Semi" Ajayi.
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