Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirović has praised Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi for his influential display in the Tigers’ 2–0 victory over Norwich City at Carrow Road.
Ajayi started the game on the bench after featuring for 180 minutes in quick succession following the October international break. However, the 31-year-old was introduced at halftime to replace Amir Hadžiahmetović — a change that proved pivotal.
Just four minutes after Ajayi’s introduction, Joe Gelhardt opened the scoring for Hull before Darko Gyabi sealed the win with a late strike three minutes from time.
Speaking after the match, Jakirović commended Ajayi’s composure and leadership, crediting his defensive organisation for stabilising the backline and giving Hull the platform to secure all three points on the road.
He said, “We survived in the first half,” the 48-year-old said in quotes revealed by Hull Daily Mail.
“They were much better than we were, much better. We couldn’t do anything, especially, I can say, in possession or out of possession. I think they had seven clear chances.
“And we survived. Maybe in the 15 minutes towards the end of the first half, we tried to drop with Amir so that we would have more stability in the defensive line.”
The Bosnian manager claimed that when the former Arsenal defender entered the game at halftime, it gave the Hull defence some security.
“With Semi (Ajayi), we gained stability and tried to press them with two wingers and Kyle in front.
“Then it’s one against one all over the pitch, and especially when Joffy (Gelhardt) scored the goal, then it’s your confidence; it’s much better.
“They are under pressure due to five consecutive defeats. We tried to use that, but they were much better, I can admit easily, at this football.
“You have to get to halftime (goalless), and I knew at halftime that we could not play like we did in the first half.
“This is not possible because we didn’t show up here. It’s a huge victory for us, especially after 15 years, as we broke the curse and also secured our third win since 1972.
“It’s a huge victory, huge three points, and we’re looking forward.’’ the coach added.
