The powerful central defender is set to head off to Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations in the next few days
Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic admits losing Semi Ajayi for the next month presents him with a big headache, but he has challenged the rest of his defensive options to step up.
Ajayi now heads off to the Africa Cup of Nations following Saturday’s 3-1 win at Millwall as he looks to help Nigeria go one better than their final appearance in 2024 and win the competition.
While playing for their respective counties at AFCON is a huge moment in a player’s career, the fact that the tournament is held in December and January causes some issues for managers in both the Premier League and Championship, as it did for Liam Rosenior two years ago when Jean Michael Seri departed for the Ivory Coast, and went on to win it.
Jakirovic, though, says it’s an opportunity for Charlie Hughes, John Egan, Akin Famewo and even talented youngster Cathal McCarthy to get minutes and showcase their talents for City in Ajayi’s absence.
“It’s a big headache for us, yes, and all the clubs that have players from Africa, but what can we do? This is the Africa Cup of Nations,” the Croatian told Hull Live. “For those players, this is like the European Championship. They represent their own country, and they are very proud. We are very proud because we have a national team player and we wish him all the very best.
“We have Charlie Hughes, John Egan and Akin Famewo. We have Cathal McCarthy there, so there will be a lot of chances for them as well.”
Ajayi, and the Super Eagles, who kick off their campaign against Tanzania on December 23, will have an added incentive to win AFCON after missing out on qualification for next summer’s World Cup following their play-off final defeat on penalties to DR Congo last month.
Unfortunately for Ajayi, he saw his decisive spot-kick saved by goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu, who had been brought on for penalties, before Chancel Mbemba slotted in the winner.
“He was very disappointed; he missed the penalty as well, but this is football,” the City chief offered in consolation. “In my opinion, you will never miss a penalty if you do not shoot a penalty, so this is part of the football; you have to continue forward, and that’s it.”
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