By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
Semi Ajayi and Hull City have secured a place in the EFL Championship playoffs after a dramatic 2–1 comeback victory over Norwich City on the final day of the season.
The result confirmed Hull’s sixth-place finish, clinching the final playoff spot and keeping alive their hopes of a return to the Premier League for the first time since the 2016–17 campaign.
Hull were forced to come from behind after Norwich took the lead, but responded with resilience as Oli McBurnie scored twice to complete the turnaround and send the home fans into celebration.
The victory proved decisive in a tightly contested playoff race, with rivals slipping elsewhere, allowing Hull to leap into the top six at the final hurdle.
Nigeria international Ajayi, who joined the club in 2025, has been part of Hull’s defensive setup during a season that has seen the Tigers transition from recent struggles to genuine promotion contenders.
Now, the Super Eagles defender stands on the brink of a potential return to England’s top flight, adding further significance to an already impressive campaign.
Hull’s reward is a semi-final clash against Millwall, with the two-legged tie set to determine who advances to the final:
* First Leg: Hull City (home)
* Second Leg: Millwall (home)
The other semi-final will see Middlesbrough face Southampton, completing a competitive playoff lineup.
The winners will meet in the playoff final on May 23 at Wembley Stadium, widely regarded as the richest single match in football due to the financial rewards tied to promotion.
Hull City have featured only five times in the Premier League and have been absent since their relegation in 2017.
Now, just three matches stand between them and a return to the top flight.
For Ajayi and Hull, the equation is simple but daunting: navigate the playoffs, and history beckons.
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