Semi Ajayi Scores For Hull City In Win Over Stoke City
Super Eagles and Hull City defender Semi Ajayi scored his first goal for the club in a 2-1 win over Stoke City on Saturday afternoon.
The 32-year-old has been in the spotlight recently after missing a penalty that contributed to Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But he put that disappointment behind him in style, celebrating confidently after finding the net for Hull.
Ajayi, playing his second match in a row at the bet365 Stadium, headed home three minutes into the second half to draw Hull level. Sorba Thomas had earlier opened the scoring for the Tigers in the 17th minute.
The Nigerian centre-back has struggled with hamstring injuries since joining the club, and Hull had lost back-to-back league games to Queens Park Rangers and Ipswich Town before this fixture. His goal brought a boost to the team and set the tone for a strong second half.
The winner came in the final minute of normal time as Joe Gelhardt finished calmly to give Hull all three points. Mohamed Belloumi, who assisted Ajayi’s equaliser, turned provider again for the deciding goal.
The away supporters celebrated loudly at full-time, relieved to see their team return to winning ways. After battling relegation last season, Hull now sit 7th in the Championship, just two points behind second-placed Stoke.
Ajayi’s goal was the 31st of his professional career, adding to those he scored for Rotherham United, West Bromwich Albion, Dartford, and the Nigerian national team.
