Hull City manager Sergej Jakirović has confirmed that Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi will feature more prominently in the coming weeks as the club prepares for his expected departure to the Super Eagles ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Ajayi, who is on loan from West Bromwich Albion, played in the Tigers’ 2-0 defeat to Ipswich Town at the MKM Stadium in midweek.

Since joining the Championship side, the former Arsenal youth player has made just eight league appearances as Hull City continue their push for promotion back to the Premier League.

Speaking to Yorkshire Post, Jakirović explained that Ajayi’s increased involvement is tied to the club’s need to manage its defensive resources effectively before the centre-back joins Nigeria’s AFCON preparations in December.

"Semi will play even more now,” the Croatian manager said. "He will play more because he is going to the Africa Cup of Nations on December 10."

With Ajayi set to join the Nigerian camp ahead of the tournament, Jakirović admitted that squad rotation is necessary due to the limited number of centre-backs available.

"So I will try to spare (John) Egan because we don't have so many centre-backs. We have Charlie (Hughes) and (Akin) Famewo,” he added.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group C for the biennial continental tournament, where they will face Uganda, Tanzania, and Tunisia.

Following the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Super Eagles will be aiming to reclaim glory by securing their fourth AFCON title, having finished as runners-up in the last edition in Ivory Coast.

Adeyemi Adewale