'Like with a woman, you must ask' – Hull City coach confirms Ajayi injury, pushes for new defender

Hull City manager Sergej Jakirović has urged the club to reinforce its defense following the injury to Semi Ajayi.

Ajayi, who arrived as a free agent this summer, picked up the injury  during the Tigers’ Championship opener against Coventry City.

The former Arsenal centre-back is understood to have sustained a hamstring injury and is expected to make his return after the international break in September.

Speaking to HullLive, the head coach hinted at his intention to ask owner Acun Ilicali to bring in a defensive reinforcement to cover for the Nigerian defender before the transfer window closes.

"The chairman will kill me if I ask for one more defender, but I will ask," he joked. "I always ask for something because this is my job, so I must.”

Although eager to secure a new signing before the window closes, Jakirović admits it may be challenging for the club to fulfill his request due to financial constraints.

"I need to ask, so what will happen in the end? You will see, if you don't ask him, like with a woman, you must ask."

The setback comes as a major blow for the Nigerian defender, who will be sidelined for the Super Eagles’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa in September.

Although sidelined, Ajayi will be hoping Nigeria secures victories in both qualifiers to boost her chances of qualifying for the World Cup tournament in USA, Canada and Mexico.
 

Adeyemi Adewale

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