Hull City coach  laments departure of Semi Ajayi  for AFCON 2025

Coach Sergej Jakirovic has admitted that losing Semi Ajayi to the Africa Cup of Nations will be a significant blow to Hull  City even as he challenged other defenders to prove their worth in the absence of the Nigeria international.

Ajayi is set to be absent for up to a month after linking up with Nigeria following City’s 3–1 victory away at Millwall on Saturday.

Ajayi  has  now turned  his attention to  the AFCON as the Super Eagles aim to improve on their runner-up finish in 2024 and go all the way in the tournament.

While representing one’s country at AFCON is a major milestone for African players, the December–January schedule often leaves clubs in the Premier League and Championship short-handed, a situation Hull have faced before.

Jakirovic acknowledged the challenge but accepted the reality of international football, noting that AFCON holds the same prestige for African nations as the European Championship does in Europe. He also expressed pride in having a full international in his squad and wished Ajayi success with the Super Eagles.

In Ajayi’s absence, the Croatian coach has thrown down the gauntlet to the rest of his defensive unit, naming Charlie Hughes, John Egan, Akin Famewo and promising youngster Cathal McCarthy as players who now have a chance to gain valuable minutes and stake a claim in the team.

Ajayi will also head into the tournament with added motivation after Nigeria’s recent World Cup qualification heartbreak, having lost a play-off final to DR Congo on penalties. Despite missing a crucial spot-kick in that shootout, Jakirovic offered words of encouragement, reminding his defender that taking responsibility is part of the game and urging him to move on and focus on the challenge ahead.