Semi Ajayi has returned to English football's top flight after Hull City claimed a dramatic 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough in the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final at Wembley on Saturday, securing promotion to the Premier League for the first time since their relegation in 2017.

The winning goal arrived deep in added time, when Oli McBurnie capitalised on a fumble by Middlesbrough goalkeeper Sol Brynn to fire in from close range five minutes into stoppage time — a moment that sent the Hull City faithful into raptures inside the national stadium.

Ajayi's commanding display

The Nigeria international was central to Hull City's defensive resolve throughout a tense, tight final that offered few clear-cut chances in the opening 45 minutes. Ajayi delivered a composed and authoritative performance at centre-back, completing 18 accurate passes and making six crucial clearances.

The 32-year-old also won two key ground duels and contributed two important headed clearances to keep Middlesbrough's attack at bay in the sweltering London heat, providing the platform from which manager Sergej Jakirovic's side ultimately claimed their prize.

Emotional reaction after the final whistle

Ajayi wasted no time in sharing his delight with supporters on social media following the final whistle.