Former African Footballer of the Year, Victor Ikpeba, has praised Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi for his role in Hull City’s great start to the new Premier League season.
The Tigers have made a big impact since returning to the English top flight after eight years away. They kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 win over Manchester United, where Ajayi scored the first goal in the 17th minute. Nobel Mendy added another goal to secure the win. This was Hull’s first Premier League goal since 2017 and their first league win against United in 52 years.
After three matches in the Premier League, Sergej Jakirović’s team is in third place with seven points. They are only behind the reigning champions Arsenal and Manchester City, who both have perfect records. Hull City also has the best defense in the league, keeping three clean sheets in their first three games.
The Nigeria international has been a key player for the Tigers this season, balancing his defensive work with the crucial goal against United that set the tone for their season.
Despite Hull’s strong start, Ikpeba downplayed the idea that the newly promoted team could aim for a European spot. He emphasized that their main goal should be to stay in the Premier League.
Speaking on SuperSport’s Monday Night Football, as reported by allnigeriasoccer.com, Ikpeba said: “We have to give credit to our defender Semi Ajayi, we are happy that his team is doing well. Third position is a little bit too much. For Hull City, it is to survive in the Premier League.”
Ajayi and his Hull City teammates will face a tough challenge on Saturday when they travel to Stamford Bridge to play against fourth-placed Chelsea.
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