'We are glad' - Hull City stand-in coach delighted Eric Chelle handed minutes to Ajayi in WCQs

Hull City assistant coach Dean Holden has expressed his delight that Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle gave Semi Ajayi valuable playing time during Nigeria's recent 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Benin, crediting the minutes for helping the central defender regain his sharpness, allnigeriasoccer.com reports. 

Holden served as the Tigers' stand-in coach for Tuesday night's Championship match against Leicester City, with head coach Sergej Jakirovic serving a suspension after accumulating three bookings this season.

In the build-up to October's World Cup qualifiers, Jakirovic had encouraged Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle to hand Ajayi playing time, viewing the international window as a chance for the defender to rebuild his match fitness following a two-month spell on the sidelines.

Chelle heeded that advice, introducing Ajayi as a late substitute in the victory over Lesotho before rewarding him with a starting spot in the subsequent clash against Benin's Cheetahs.

Against Leicester City on Tuesday, Ajayi made his first start for Hull City since the opening day of the season.

The former Arsenal youth team skipper delivered a composed performance, particularly in the second half, where his defensive timing, physicality and calmness in possession helped the Tigers preserve their advantage.

Reflecting on Ajayi's display, Holden highlighted how his involvement with the Super Eagles played a key role in restoring his rhythm.

"Yes, again, I thought the timing of his tackling in the second half was excellent, especially when there was a lot of pressure coming on top of us," Holden told Hull City's official media channel.

"Semi can be very, very pleased, but we are glad he got the minutes with Nigeria, which has given him a little bit of his rhythm back. 

"Whoever comes into the team at the moment is performing, and that's excellent for us."

Although suspended for the World Cup qualifying playoff against Gabon, Ajayi could still be part of Nigeria's contingent travelling to Morocco as the Super Eagles may contest an additional match against the winner of the other semifinal between Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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