Hull City manager says Super Eagles defender was key in Millwall win

Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirovic explained his decision to start Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi against Millwall last night, Afrik Foot reports.

The 32‑year‑old featured in 22 Championship matches for the Tigers despite dealing with injury setbacks, yet he began the first leg versus Millwall on the bench, a game that ended 0‑0.

In the return fixture at the Den, the former Arsenal player was positioned on the right side of Hull’s back three and delivered a standout performance as his side secured a 2‑0 win, earning a place at Wembley for the play‑off final.

Semi Ajayi of Hull City. Copyright: ImagoxDavidxGreavesx

Hull City: Why Ajayi started against Millwall

Goals from Mohamed Belloumi and Joe Gelhardt secured a Wembley showdown for Jakirovic’s side.

Jakirovic, the Bosnian manager, also praised Ajayi’s defensive work, noting how he helped cover for the attacking wing‑backs.

“We changed our formation because when I watched the first leg, I saw maybe we would have problems because they were coming very high with the full‑backs,” the 49‑year‑old said, as quoted by South London UK.

Hull City Manager Sergej Jakirovic at the end of the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final. Copyright: ImagoxPaulxChesterton

“They tried to fill the pockets with two wingers. [Josh] Coburn is there and also we decided to put one centre‑back extra [so] then we can also control better set‑pieces with Semi Ajayi, and also try to press with two wingers and provide support with [Matt] Crooks and [Regan] Slater.

“I think they [the defenders] did a great job today. Around fifteen or 20 minutes we didn’t clear two or three good balls and then we had some problems there, which is normal and expected.

“Also I think we had a very strong start to the game which was maybe crucial because this is their style.

“Of course, we [were] patient and then we will have our chances.

“That was the main plan. Even when they tried to play around you, [for us] to try to press them, to manage the distance, that we are together like a group and not about individuals because they will play around you,” the Hull City head coach concluded.

Semi Ajayi of Hull City arrives at the STÅK Racecourse, Wrexham. Copyright: xMattxWilkinsonx

Hull City will meet the winner of the Southampton‑Middlesbrough clash in the EFL Championship play‑off final, scheduled for Saturday, May 23 at Wembley.

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Adefolahan Guerreiro

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