Super Eagles defender urges Tigers to focus on survival, create their own history
Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi has warned Hull City against complacency despite their impressive start to the 2026/27 Premier League season, insisting that the newly promoted side must remain focused if they are to sustain their momentum.
Hull City have won three of their opening six matches, collecting nine points to occupy eighth position on the Premier League table following their return to the English top flight.
The Tigers secured promotion through the Championship play-offs after defeating Middlesbrough 1-0 in the final, ending their nine-year absence from the Premier League since the 2016/17 campaign.
Ajayi, who has featured in all six league matches this season, believes Hull City have laid a solid foundation for a successful campaign but must continue working hard with much of the season still ahead.
Speaking to Footy-Africa, the Nigerian international acknowledged the team’s encouraging start but cautioned that their early results were not enough to guarantee success.
“It’s been a good start. We’re happy with the work we’ve done so far,” Ajayi said.
“We know we haven’t done anything yet. There’s still a long way to go in the season, but we put ourselves in a really good position to have a positive season, so we’re really happy.”
The defender has already made a significant contribution to Hull City’s campaign, scoring the club’s first Premier League goal in nine years during their impressive 2-0 victory over Manchester United on the opening weekend.
While describing the goal as a special moment, Ajayi insisted that the team’s victory mattered more than his individual achievement.
“It was a blessing to score the first goal back in the Premier League, also against a massive team like Manchester United — something I don’t take lightly,” he said.
“It was more important for me really that we got the three points and the win, which we did. So yeah, I was pleased.”
Ajayi had previously expressed his determination to help Hull City retain their Premier League status at the end of the season, a target that will require consistency against opponents with different playing styles and levels of experience.
The Tigers drew 2-2 with Everton in their most recent outing and are expected to face another stern test when they take on Fulham on Saturday.
Ajayi said Hull City would approach each fixture with a fresh tactical plan, stressing that collecting points would remain the team’s priority.
“It’s just another game that we need to win, and we want to pick up points. Every single game is going to be tough this year,” he said.
“We know that every team plays differently, so we’ll approach that game with a new game plan and try to get as many points as we can.”
Hull City’s strong start has also sparked comparisons with Sunderland, who enjoyed an impressive campaign last season, finishing seventh and securing qualification for the Europa League.
However, Ajayi dismissed suggestions that the Tigers should measure their progress against Sunderland’s achievements, insisting that the club must establish its own identity and build its own legacy.
“We’re not really focused on Sunderland. We’re focused on ourselves.
“We have to do our own thing. We have to be Hull City. Sunderland had an amazing season last season, but it’s down to us to create our own history,” the Super Eagles defender added.
With three victories from their opening six matches, Hull City have given their supporters reasons for optimism.
