Semi Ajayi marked his return to the Premier League in spectacular fashion, scoring as newly promoted Hull City defeated Manchester United 2-0 on Saturday.
Ajayi struck in the 17th minute and Nobel Mendy added a second in the 38th minute as Manchester United lost on the opening day of a league season to a newly promoted side for the first time in their history, having won 10 of the first 13 instances (D3).
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The Nigeria international started at centre-back and helped Hull keep a clean sheet before being substituted in the 64th minute.
The victory was an impressive start for Hull, who returned to the Premier League after a nine-year absence and were widely expected to struggle against one of England’s most decorated clubs.
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For United, the defeat was a disappointing start under Michael Carrick after the club finished third last season and secured Champions League football.
Aina starts, Forest lose late
Ola Aina also featured on Saturday as Nottingham Forest began their campaign with a 1-0 home defeat to Leeds United.
Aina started and played the match as Leeds secured victory through Anton Stach’s late free-kick, condemning Oliver Glasner to defeat in his first competitive match as Forest manager.
The result leaves Forest with work to do ahead of their next fixtures.
Nigerians began season with mixed fortunes
Ajayi’s heroics came a day after Frank Onyeka and Taiwo Awoniyi suffered defeat with Coventry City.
Onyeka played the full match while Awoniyi came off the bench in Coventry’s 3-0 loss to defending champions Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Friday. Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard scored for Arsenal.
The defeat was Coventry’s first match back in the Premier League after 25 years.
The opening weekend continues to provide opportunities for several other Nigerians.
Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey are expected to feature for Fulham when they host Chelsea on Monday, while Benjamin Fredrick’s Brentford face fellow London side Tottenham Hotspur on the opening weekend.
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At Brighton, teenage Nigerian winger Zadok Yohanna is another player attracting attention after joining the club from AIK Stockholm on a five-year contract. Brighton have confirmed their opening fixture against Aston Villa on Sunday.
The 2026/27 campaign therefore promises another strong Nigerian presence in the Premier League, with established internationals such as Iwobi, Bassey and Aina joined by Ajayi, Onyeka and Awoniyi, while younger players including Fredrick and Yohanna seek their first significant opportunities.
For now, Ajayi has set the early benchmark, with his goal helping Hull secure one of the opening weekend’s biggest shocks.
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