The defender missed a crucial penalty
Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic will no doubt be putting an arm around the shoulder of vastly-experienced defender Semi Ajayi this week in an effort to get the player ready to feature against Queens Park Rangers.
The 32-year-old centre back is due back at the club’s Cottingham training ground later this week having been away with Nigeria on international duty. The Super Eagles have been in World Cup qualifying action, but it’s with frustration and disappointment Ajayi will return to Hull after the country missed out on the tournament once again, having missed the 2022 edition.
Nigeria faced DR Congo at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Morocco for the right to represent Africa in the intercontinental final qualifiers next March.
After a poor qualifying campaign which saw the Super Eagles squeeze into the final four play-off as the lowest ranked group runner-up, Nigeria beat top ranked Gabon 4-1 last week after extra-time to reach the final, but couldn’t repeat that against DR Congo. After a 1-1 draw the match went to penalties, with Ajayi missing the decisive spot-kick in the sixth round of penalties, as DR Congo progressed to the final qualifier against a team as yet unknown from one of the other federations.
Ajayi must now recover from missing out on what could have been his last opportunity to play at the World Cup, as he puts his focus on helping the Tigers continue their impressive form and strengthen their play-off position, starting with a game at QPR on Saturday.