Semi Ajayi: Nigeria defender opens up on working with Hull City manager Sergei Jakirovic

Nigeria defender, Semi Ajayi has opened up on working with Hull City manager, Sergei Jakirovic ahead of the 2025/25 English Championship campaign.

The Super Eagle, who joined the Tigers on a free transfer this summer after leaving West Brom, praised Jakirovic’s winning mentality and clear vision for the team ahead of next season.

Hull City will face Stockport on Saturday, July 26 in a pre-season exercise at the Edgeley Park and Ajayi shared thoughts on the works of manager Jakirovic.

“Really good, he’s been very, very clear in what he wants from the boys,” Ajayi told Hull Daily Mail.

“He’s pushed us a lot, and obviously he’s a serial winner, so he wants to win and that’s what he demands from us. We’re all really looking forward to working with him this season and we’ve already started to see the fruits of it already.”

The 31-year-old Nigerian international also spoke about how well he has adapted to his new environment.

“The players made it very easy for me to settle in. There’s a lot of top players here as well, so that’s made my life a lot easier,” Ajayi added.

With the new Championship season on the horizon, Ajayi will be eager to contribute his experience to Hull City’s push for promotion back to the Premier League.

Ajayi is capped 43 times by the Super Eagles and he will look forward to making Nigeria coach, Eric Chelle’s squad for subsequent assignments. The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers resume in September and October with the three time African champions facing a tough test in their qualification for the mundial in Canada, USA and Mexico.