AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Ajayi welcomes Nigeria shirt rivalry

Semi Ajayi has welcomed the competition for places in Nigeria’s defence ahead of next month’s Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. The Hull City defender says the depth available to the Super Eagles gives the team more quality from which to select.

Ajayi is competing for a central defensive role with Calvin Bassey and other members of the squad. The experienced defender, known as “The Tower”, remains part of Nigeria’s defensive plans but accepts that selection will not be guaranteed when the national team gathers.

His position is that pressure for starting places can benefit the team. Nigeria have more players capable of stepping in when others are unavailable, while new squad members are also being given opportunities to represent the country. Ajayi said he intends to give his best whenever he receives a call-up and will be prepared to fight for his place.

The defender also reflected on Hull City’s recent campaign, which included a 2-0 Premier League victory over Manchester United in which he scored. Hull’s season featured a Championship promotion play-off run that ended at Wembley, earning the club the chance to compete in the Premier League.

Ajayi described reaching that level as important to his personal ambition of testing himself in the highest standard of football. With Hull now focused on retaining their Premier League status, he said his immediate target is to help the club win as many matches as possible.

That club challenge comes alongside Nigeria’s preparations for the Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau qualifiers. Ajayi said Hull had completed a strong pre-season programme, while acknowledging that the fight to remain in the Premier League would be difficult. For the Super Eagles, his readiness adds experience to a defensive group competing for places before the qualifying matches.