Semi Ajayi has been nominated for the Premier League Player of the Matchweek award after helping Hull City produce a stunning 2-0 win over Manchester United, Footynaija reports.
The Nigeria international is one of eight players on the official shortlist for Matchweek 1. Supporters can vote for the winner here until 12:00 BST on Wednesday, August 26.
Ajayi made his impact at both ends of the pitch at the MKM Stadium on August 22. The centre-back scored Hull’s opening goal after 17 minutes and helped the newly promoted side keep Manchester United out for the rest of the game.
Ajayi turns back the clock with dream Premier League return
The goal had extra meaning for Ajayi. It was his first Premier League goal since January 2021, when he scored for West Bromwich Albion in a 3-2 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That header at Molineux came in the 52nd minute and helped West Brom recover from a 2-1 half-time deficit. More than five years later, Ajayi was again on the scoresheet in the English top flight, this time against one of the country’s most famous clubs.
The 32-year-old was also given a key defensive job against Manchester United forwards Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. The Premier League praised his commanding display as Hull marked their return to the top flight with a famous victory.
Ajayi’s route back to the Premier League has been long. Born in London to Nigerian parents, he started his professional career with Charlton Athletic before joining Arsenal’s academy in 2013. He later played for Cardiff City, AFC Wimbledon, Crewe Alexandra and Rotherham United.
His breakthrough came at Rotherham, where he played all 46 league matches in the 2018-19 Championship season and scored seven goals. He joined West Brom in 2019, made 170 league appearances for the club and helped them win promotion to the Premier League in 2019-20.
Hull signed Ajayi in June 2025 after his West Brom contract expired. He then helped the Tigers win promotion back to the Premier League in May 2026.
Now, after one match back in England’s top division, Ajayi has a chance to win an individual Premier League award. His competition includes Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki, Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Brighton’s Jack Hinshelwood.
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