Nigeria defender Semi Ajayi played a prominent role as newly promoted Hull City maintained their unbeaten start to the Premier League season with a 2-2 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Ajayi started at centre-back as Hull produced another impressive result against established Premier League opposition, helping the visitors secure a valuable point in London.
Chelsea took the lead early in the match through Morgan Rogers, but Hull responded strongly and turned the game around before half-time.
Mohamed Belloumi scored twice in the first half to put the Tigers 2-1 ahead at the break.
Chelsea eventually restored parity through João Pedro in the 66th minute, but Hull resisted the home side’s pressure during the closing stages to preserve the draw.
The result continues a remarkable opening to life back in the Premier League for Hull, who have quickly demonstrated that they are capable of competing against some of the division’s biggest clubs.
Ajayi has been an important figure in that early success.
The 32-year-old Nigeria international has established himself as a regular presence at the centre of Hull’s defence since the club secured promotion to the top flight.
His latest appearance came against a Chelsea side that had initially taken control of the contest, but Hull recovered to take the lead and eventually leave Stamford Bridge with a point.
The draw follows a series of encouraging results for Hull since their return to the Premier League.
They had already produced one of the early surprises of the campaign by beating Manchester United 2-0, with Ajayi getting on the scoresheet in that victory.
That was followed by a goalless draw against Aston Villa and a 1-0 win over Coventry City.
The unbeaten run has now continued at Stamford Bridge, with Hull adding Chelsea to the list of established clubs against whom they have collected points.
For Ajayi, the latest performance further underlined his importance to a defence that has helped Hull make a confident start to their first Premier League campaign in several years.
His experience at international level has also added to the defensive options available to the newly promoted club.
According to Opta Analyst, Ajayi has featured seven times for Nigeria’s senior team in 2026, making six starts.
That international experience is now being combined with a regular role at club level as Hull adjust to the demands of Premier League football.
Against Chelsea, Ajayi formed part of a defensive unit that managed to withstand the hosts after João Pedro’s equaliser.
Hull had been in front for much of the second half after Belloumi’s first-half double, but Chelsea’s leveller ensured the visitors had to defend their point during the final stages.
They succeeded in doing so, extending their unbeaten run and adding another significant result to their impressive start.
For Hull manager and supporters, the early results offer encouragement that promotion has not left the club simply fighting for survival.
The victory over Manchester United, draw with Aston Villa, win against Coventry and latest point against Chelsea have given the Tigers a strong foundation.
Ajayi’s continued presence at the heart of the defence could be particularly important as the season develops.
At 32, the Nigeria international brings experience to a Hull side adapting to the demands of top-flight football, and his defensive contribution has already been evident during their unbeaten opening.
Hull will now look to build on the Stamford Bridge result as they continue their first Premier League campaign in several years.
For Ajayi, the draw provided another opportunity to demonstrate his value to the Tigers, with the defender helping his promoted side secure another result against one of English football’s biggest clubs.
