Hull City manager Sergej Jakirović has revealed that Nigerian international Semi Ajayi will see increased playing time in the upcoming weeks.

The manager is ready to help him get fit for Eric Chelle’s team as he looks to join the Super Eagles for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Ajayi, currently on loan from West Bromwich Albion, featured in the Tigers' recent 2-0 midweek loss to Ipswich Town.

The former Arsenal academy player has made eight league appearances for the Championship club this season as they pursue promotion to the Premier League.

In a conversation with the Yorkshire Post, Jakirović stated that Ajayi's upcoming run in the team is a strategic move to manage the squad's defensive options before the centre-back links up with Nigeria for their AFCON preparations in December.

"Semi will play even more now," the Croatian coach confirmed. "He will play more because he is going to the Africa Cup of Nations on December 10."

Jakirović acknowledged the need for careful squad rotation, given the limited number of central defenders at his disposal once Ajayi leaves for international duty.

"So I will try to spare (John) Egan because we don't have so many centre-backs. We have Charlie (Hughes) and (Akin) Famewo,” he explained.

For the continental tournament, Nigeria has been placed in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania.

The Super Eagles are looking to bounce back from their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and aim to win their fourth AFCON title after finishing as runners-up in the previous edition.