Semi Ajayi is heading to the Premier League after Hull City secured promotion with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough in the Championship playoff final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

The Nigerian defender started and played the full 90 minutes as Hull weathered a tense afternoon in scorching heat to claim one of English football's most coveted prizes.

McBurnie's stoppage-time winner

The decisive moment came in the fifth minute of stoppage time, when a cross slipped through the hands of Middlesbrough goalkeeper Sol Brynn and fell to Oli McBurnie, who finished to spark jubilant scenes among the Hull faithful.

It was a cruel end for Boro, who had reached the final only to be denied at the last. For Hull, it was vindication of a remarkable playoff campaign during which they did not concede a single goal across both semifinal legs and the final itself.

The 'Spygate' backdrop

The final was played under a cloud of controversy, with English football gripped by the so-called 'Spygate' scandal. Southampton, who defeated Middlesbrough in the semifinals, were expelled from the final by the EFL after it was determined they had illegally spied on their opponents. Hull only learned who their final opponents would be a matter of days before the showpiece event.

Despite the unusual circumstances, Hull rose to the occasion, becoming the first club since Blackpool in 2010 to finish sixth in the Championship and go on to win the playoffs.

Hull join Coventry and Ipswich in the top flight

Hull's promotion means they will play in the Premier League next season alongside Coventry City and Ipswich Town. The relegation picture is also taking shape — Wolves and Burnley are already down, with the third relegated side to be confirmed on Sunday when West Ham and Tottenham meet.

It is also worth noting that this was the final Championship season to feature only four playoff teams. From next season, the format expands to six clubs.

Jakirovic's emotional reaction

Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic was visibly overcome with emotion after the final whistle. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: