Ajayi Bounces Back from Injury as Hull Edge Sheffield United

Super Eagles defender, Semi Ajayi marked his return from injury on Saturday as Hull City battled to a narrow 1–0 victory over Sheffield United in the Championship.

Ajayi, who had been sidelined for over a month with a hamstring issue, made a late appearance from the bench but almost turned from hero to villain after conceding a penalty just three minutes into his comeback.

His mistimed challenge on Danny Ings handed Sheffield United a golden chance to equalise, only for Harrison Burrows to see his weak effort saved by goalkeeper Ivor Pandur, the first penalty save of Pandur’s career.

The hosts had earlier taken the lead through David Akintola, whose first-half strike deflected off Chiedozie Ogbene to wrong-foot the visiting goalkeeper and find the corner of the net.

Despite dominating possession in the second half, Sheffield United failed to convert their chances, with Gus Hamer hitting the post and a series of close calls in Hull’s box.

Speaking after the game, Hull manager Sergej Jakirovic hailed his players’ fighting spirit and defensive discipline.

“It’s a massive win. From the first minute, you could see it would be a battle on every inch of the pitch,” he told BBC Radio Humberside. “Thank God Ivor saved the penalty — I’m very happy for him. It’s a big relief and a huge confidence boost.”

The result lifted Hull to tenth in the Championship table and secured just their second home clean sheet in 26 matches. Sheffield United, meanwhile, suffered their seventh defeat in nine games, leaving Chris Wilder’s men anchored to the bottom of the standings.