Hull City secured a return to the Premier League on Saturday after a 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough in the EFL Championship playoff final.
The match was played on 23 May 2026 at Wembley Stadium in London. Forward Oli McBurnie delivered the decisive goal in injury time, heading home late to break a scoreless deadlock and seal the win for the Tigers. The result confirmed Hull’s promotion to the top flight for the first time since the 2016-17 season.
Nigerian international and Super Eagles centre-back Semi Ajayi played a key role in Hull’s defensive line during the final. Ajayi, 32, joined Hull City from West Bromwich Albion in June 2025 and was named in the starting lineup at Wembley.
The Nigerian defender helped limit Middlesbrough’s chances throughout the contest, clearing a dangerous through ball to forward David Strelec in the first half. The clean sheet preserved Hull’s 1-0 lead after McBurnie’s goal.
The victory was sealed under head coach Sergej Jakirovic, with club owner Acun Ilicali pledging an all-expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas for the squad following promotion.
Middlesbrough had advanced to the final after Southampton were expelled from the playoffs due to a spying incident, according to reports. The playoff win guarantees Hull City significant revenue tied to Premier League status.