'I hope he will play' - Hull boss sends message to Eric Chelle, wants Ajayi to get minutes in WCQ

Hull City manager, Sergej Jakirovic, has expressed his support for Semi Ajayi's inclusion in the Super Eagles squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic.

Jakirovic has urged Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle to give the centre-back valuable minutes during the October internationals as it's an opportunity to build his match fitness ahead of Hull's upcoming fixtures.

Ajayi, who recently returned from injury, has managed just eight minutes of action for Hull since his recovery. 

Despite that, Chelle has included the former Arsenal youth team skipper in Nigeria's 23-man list for the crucial qualifiers.

Speaking after Hull City's 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United on Saturday, Jakirovic said he had no objections to Ajayi joining his national team, emphasizing the importance of international football for player motivation and fitness.

"I'm OK because you cannot stop them," the Croatian tactician was quoted as saying by Hull Live. 

"I know that next year is the World Cup, so when it's the World Cup, everyone is buzzing.

"I hope he (Ajayi) will play something there because he needs it, and Liam as well. Liam is now OK, almost 85 minutes (played in the last two games). He played two games, so it's good."

The Hull boss also expressed hopes that both players would return from international duty injury-free as the Tigers prepare to face Birmingham City after the break.

"I hope they all will play something - Semi (Ajayi) and Liam (Millar), and they will return healthy."

Ajayi is expected to travel from the United Kingdom to join the Super Eagles camp as preparations begin for the two qualifying matches.

Nigeria currently sit third in Group C and will face Lesotho and Benin in must-win encounters as they push for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Adeyemi Adewale

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