Semi Ajayi marked his return to the Premier League with a goal as newly promoted Hull City defeated Manchester United 2-0 on Saturday. The Nigeria international struck in the 17th minute, with Nobel Mendy adding a second in the 38th minute, handing United a historic opening-day defeat to a promoted side.
Historic Defeat for Manchester United
According to the match report, this was the first time Manchester United lost on the opening day of a league season to a newly promoted team in their history, having won 10 of the first 13 such instances (with three draws). The defeat came under Michael Carrick, who took charge after United finished third last season and secured Champions League football.
Ajayi 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.
Ola Aina Features in Forest Defeat
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 full 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.
Mixed Fortunes for Nigerians on Opening Weekend
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.
Young Nigerian Talent Emerging
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.
