58-cap Super Eagles star nominated for Premier League honour

Soccer

Soccer 58-cap Super Eagles star nominated for Premier League honour

Semi Ajayi and Alex Iwobi of Super Eagles. (Photo by Imago)

Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi has been nominated for the English Premier League Player of the Week award, Soccernet.ng reports.

​Ajayi returned to Premier League action for the first time in five years, this time with his Hull City side.

​However, he and his side were faced with a big task in their opening game of the season, as they welcomed giants Manchester United to the MKM Stadium.

Soccer Semi Ajayi of Hull City L holds off Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United.
Semi Ajayi of Hull City L holds off Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United. Picture credit: ImagoxAndrew Yates/Sportimage

​The result shocked fans, as Hull City claimed a 2-0 victory. Ajayi scored the opener for his side in the 17th minute, before Nobel Mendy scored the second in the 38th minute.

​After scoring, the Tigers produced a brilliant defensive display to keep Manchester United from scoring, a performance that ensured he was named Player of the Match at full-time.

Soccer Semi Ajayi celebrates with Oli McBurnie for Hull City
Semi Ajayi celebrates with Oli McBurnie for Hull City. Photo credit: ImagoxDavidxLofthouse

​Following his brilliant display against Manchester United, Semi Ajayi has now been named among the nominees for the Premier League Player of the Week award.

​The 32-year-old center-back is up against other stars like Rayan Cherki, Julio Enciso, Jack Hinshelwood, Martin Ødegaard, Cole Palmer, Mamadou Sangaré, and Anton Stach.

Putting in a performance on the opening weekend 👊

It’s time to vote for your first Player of the Matchweek of 2026/27 👇

— Premier League (@premierleague) August 25, 2026

More to follow…

Kelvin Omachonu” src=”https://soccernet.ng/thumbor/DXglm-OQ_TFVjV92-C51XBVEBWk=/150×150/smart/filters:format(webp)/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.soccernet.ng%2Fmain%2F2024%2F06%2FIMG-20240522-WA0001.jpg”  height=”80″ width=”80″></p><div><h3>
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Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu is a professional football columnist and sports writer with over half a decade of experience covering major events and delivering captivating, analytically-driven stories.
A graduate of the University of Ibadan, he is fueled by a profound dedication to sports journalism and the beautiful game. His insights have previously been featured in respected outlets, including IndyPress UI, UCJ UI Newshive NG, Sportpremi, and a few others.
Away from work, Kelvin is an avid fan of basketball, enjoys a great movie, and is always discovering new music.

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