Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams were on target as Nigeria advanced to the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a comfortable win over Algeria.
The West Africans were firmly in control in the first half in Marrakech, with Adams spurning a glorious chance to open the scoring eight minutes before the break when he curled narrowly over the bar.
Osimhen broke the deadlock for the Super Eagles just 85 seconds into the second half, heading Bruno Onyemaechi’s deep cross from the left down and back across goal for his fourth goal at these finals.
Super Eagles stars Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke rounded off their pre-AFCON duties in emphatic fashion on Sunday night, as Sevilla cruised to a commanding 4–0 victory over Real Oviedo at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán.
With the Africa Cup of Nations set to kick off on December 21, the Nigerian duo underlined the attacking depth available to Nigeria with decisive contributions and will leave for Cairo, Egypt today with confidence high that the Super Eagles will turn a corner in Morocco when the competition begins.
Sevilla wasted no time asserting control, racing into the lead in the fourth minute through Akor Adams. Djibril Sow doubled Sevilla’s advantage in the 22nd minute with a composed finish from inside the area, but Adams remained central to the hosts’ attacking rhythm. The Nigerian forward finished the match with a goal and an assist, two shots on target, and several key passes. He came close to scoring again in the 65th minute, unleashing a powerful effort that narrowly missed the top corner after a well-weighted pass from Alexis Sánchez.
Adams eventually turned provider for Sevilla’s third goal, supplying his second assist of the game for Batista Mendy, who made it 3–0 and effectively ended the contest. The striker’s all-round display — combining goal threat, link-up play and defensive work rate — drew warm applause from the home crowd as he signed off in style.
Chidera Ejuke joined the action in the 77th minute, replacing Sánchez, and made an instant impact. The winger needed just one clear sight of goal, calmly finishing from inside the penalty area in the 89th minute to register his first goal of the season.
Ejuke completed several successful dribbles, stretched the Oviedo defence with his pace, and capped Sevilla’s dominant performance with a clinical touch.
With Akor Adams contributing directly to two goals and Ejuke marking his return to the score sheet, Sevilla fans were left with fond memories — and Super Eagles supporters with renewed optimism — as both players head into AFCON brimming with confidence and form.
Sevilla striker Akor Adams is quickly establishing himself as a bona fide star for the Super Eagles, following yet another goal-scoring display for the three-time African champions.
Adams has now found the net in consecutive away fixtures for Nigeria, opening the scoring in Thursday evening’s 4-1 demolition of Gabon’s Panthers in the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff in Rabat.
In a move that raised eyebrows, Adams was handed a starting role alongside Victor Osimhen in attack.
Coach Eric Chelle’s bold decision was vindicated in the 78th minute when Adams capitalised on a defensive error, rounded the Gabonese goalkeeper, and calmly slotted into an empty net.
As Nigeria prepares for its crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Benin, newly invited striker Akor Adams has expressed determination to give his best and contribute to the team’s success.
Adams, who recently earned his first senior national team call-up, said he is focused on helping the Super Eagles achieve their goal of reaching the global tournament.
“I don’t think there’s a break in personality,” the 25-year-old striker said. “I just have to give what I can to the team. Whoever’s playing, we give support, and if you’re called upon by the coach, you do your best.”
The Sevilla forward added that he is looking forward to building stronger connections within the squad, describing the atmosphere in camp as encouraging.
“There are a couple of guys that I’m in touch with,” he said. “I’m looking forward to making more relationships and also better friendships.”
Adams previously represented Nigeria at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland.
The striker was handed his first senior call-up on October 4, 2025, for Nigeria’s two World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic. His inclusion is seen as part of efforts by the technical crew to strengthen the attacking options as the Super Eagles look to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Adams has been in good form for Sevilla and recently scored in his side’s 4-1 massacre of Barcelona in the La Liga , said he is not under pressure but is motivated to make a meaningful impact if given the opportunity.
“I have to give what I can to the team,” he reiterated. “It’s about giving your best when the coach calls on you and supporting others when you’re not on the pitch.”
Ahead of his departure for the international break, striker Akor Adams, underlined his readiness for the Super Eagles’ critical assignment on the 2026 FIFA World Cup double header against Lesotho and Benin by scoring for in their 4-1 rout of defending champions Barcelona on Sunday.
It was a memorable victory for Sevilla as they inflicted on Barca their first defeat in the La Liga this season in front of their home fans at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan.
Ex- Barca Alexis Sanchez opened the floodgate for Sevilla from the spot after VAR adjudged Ronald Araujo to have upended Isaac Romero inside the penalty. After that moment, Sevilla had a number of chances to score again, with most of them falling to Isaac Romero. He squandered two big ones, but it was third time lucky as he made it 2-0 to the home side on 37 minutes.
Barcelona, however, struck before half time after Pedri delivered a wonderful cross into the path of Marcus Rashford, who volleyed home for his first La Liga goal.
The Hansi Flick’s side could have equaliser on 76 minutes when Alejandro Balde was fouled inside the penalty area by Adnan Januzaj. However, the effort was sent wide by Robert Lewandowski much to the joy of the home support.
But in the 90th minute, Sevilla sealed the victory as Jose Angel Carmona fired across Wojciech Szczesny and into the far corner, and it would get even better for Los Nervionenses deep into stoppage time as Akor Adams struck to make it 4-1 thanks to the assist by fellow Nigerian, Chidera Ejuke.
The goal was Adams’ second this season after opening his account against Rayo Vallecano last week, while Ejuke’s assist marked his first goal contribution of the season after an injury-hit start to the campaign.
The 25-year-old Adams is yet to be capped at full international after representing the country at the U-20 level.
The former Montpellier player who joined Sevilla in a 5.5million Euro deal in the January transfer window, was selected in Nigeria’s initial 39-man squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Rwanda and Zimbabwe Nigeria in March but was dropped in the final 23 by coach Eric Chelle.
Having been recalled to the national team for the World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin, it’s hoped that Adams will replicate his new found form in Sevilla for Nigeria at the senior level, despite facing stiff competition for a spot in the Super Eagles’ attacking lineup.
Nigerian striker Akor Adams emerged the hero for Sevilla after netting a late winner in their 1-0 triumph over Rayo Vallecano in the La Liga on yesterday.
Adams, who came off the bench in the 69th minute for Isaac Romero, sealed victory with his first goal of the season three minutes from time. His compatriot, Chidera Ejuke, remained on the bench throughout the encounter. The result lifted Sevilla to eighth on the table with 10 points from seven matches.
In England, it was disappointment for Fulham’s Nigerian trio of Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze as they fell 3-1 away to Aston Villa. Bassey played the full game but was cautioned in the 55th minute, while Iwobi lasted 65 minutes before being withdrawn. Chukwueze was introduced late in the 80th minute. The Cottagers slipped to 11th place with eight points from six outings.
Elsewhere, Super Eagles defender Kevin Akpoguma was an unused substitute in Hoffenheim’s 1-1 draw at Freiburg, which pushed them to 10th in the German Bundesliga with seven points.
In France, the much-anticipated clash of compatriots between OGC Nice forward Terem Moffi and Paris FC winger Moses Simon ended 1-1. Both started but failed to score before Moffi was substituted in the 75th minute and Simon in stoppage time.
Meanwhile in Turkey, Ibrahim Olawoyin endured a difficult outing as Rizespor lost 2-1 at home to Kasimpasa. He was brought on in the 76th minute but was replaced just nine minutes later.
Sevilla’s Sporting Director, Victor Orta, has assured their fans that they would definitely get the best of their Nigerian striker, Akor Adams, next season if he is unable to shake off his injury complaints in the remaining games of the season.
Adams joined the La Liga side from French Ligue 1 club Montpellier during the winter transfer window but has been limited to just four league appearances due to persistent muscle injuries. His latest setback may rule him out for the rest of the season.
“He’s had two muscle injuries, despite never being injured before,” Orta expressed on the club’s official website. “What Akor has suffered is unfortunate, but we will analyse why these injuries happened. We have great faith in him.”
The injury also prevented Adams from joining the Super Eagles for their recent World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
On Sunday, Nigerian striker Akor Adams would be hoping to be in the fray along with his compatriot , Chidera Ejuke , when Sevilla FC travel to Estadio Benito Villamarín to face Real Betis in the Elgran Derbi which is considered one of the hottest local derbies in the La Liga and world football in general. The 25-year-old Adams , who only moved to Spain in January from France where he last turned out to French Ligue 1 side, Montpellier, hopes he would get a role to play for the Blanquirrojos in what is expected to be a tough match, giving the long rivalry between both Spanish outfits over the year, writes MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN,
In the Spanish LaLiga’s mythology, derbies don’t come bigger as much as Elgran Derbi otherwise known as The Great Derby or Seville Derby and this Sunday, all eyes would yet gain be on Sevilla FC complete with Nigerian duo of Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams as they travel away to Real Betis.
According to the LaLiga: “Seville, the Andalusian capital, is home to one of Spanish football’s most colourful derby meetings, between Real Betis and Sevilla FC. Both teams will set out to another victory to their own win column this next matchdayners, the Seville derby rivalry has divided allegiances and even families within the city for over a century.”
While Ejuke was part of the last outing between both sides when Sevilla edged Betis 1-0 in October 2024 at their Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán stadium, Sunday’s encounter offers Adams the opportunity to witness the established long-drawn battles between the two local rivals after overcoming a recent injury lay-off.
“The match between Sevilla FC and Real Betis is about one of the hottest derbies in Spain,” Adams admitted while fielding questions on a La Liga session with a cross section of Nigerian media. “It’s called Elgran Derbi , which is one of the biggest in the world.
“ I think just only few derbies are bigger than the Seville Derby between Sevilla and Real Betis because the clubs are just 10 minutes apart or even lesser from each other .”
Adams joined Sevilla in the January transfer window after a very prolific couple of seasons with Montpellier in France and before that, kicking his career off in Norway. His start in Spain was hampered somewhat by injury but was back on the pitch penultimate weekend before the international break. He would obviously be coming back into the team at the right time starting with this weekend’s fixture away to Betis.
Indeed, Adams agreed that it would be a great honour for him to be part of the Seville Derby coming up when Betis host Sevilla at the Estadio Benito Villamarín , where a former Nigeria international striker, Finidi George, remains a household name.
He said: “I think from this standpoint, to be honest, I’m not thinking so much about what’s going to happen (against Real Betis) because as a club, Sevilla has an objective and though it’s the Seville Derby, it’s one of the games in the season to get us points.
“Of course, Finidi is a legend and to walk in that path would just be a privilege.
“I’ll just try to enjoy it as much as possible,” he added.
For Adams, former Barcelona and Real Madrid legend, Brazilian Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima,is one particular player that has made a huge impression on him right from his growing up years in Nigeria.
“ I think the person I’ve tried to watch a lot from my early days and even while at Lillestrøm and Montpellier and even up till now, it is Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima,” he said. “He’s a striker that enjoys the game and he also score goals
“ It’s something i want to keep doing too; i don’t want to lose the joy while playing the game.
“Of course, I also watch a lot of Didier Drogba drop as well and because we have almost the same kind of stature and we play almost in the same kind of ways.
“ So, these are the two strikers I really watched a lot and I take little of every other strikers that i can learn something from but on the whole , it’s Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima and Didier Drogba that has stood out for me.”
Currently in the midst of some competition with some outstanding strikers including the likes of Dodi Lukebakio, Juanlu Sanchez and Isaac Romero, Adams said he is at the ready to compete with the best in order to bring out the best of himself for the Blanquirrojos.
“ I think I love competition because if it’s too easy, then it’s not worth it ,” Adams said matter-of-factly. “At a club as big and great club as Sevilla, you cannot run away from a competition.
“The club has a lot of ambition and if I’m the one who is playing, i know I have to be on my toes because other guys who are who are not playing are watching.
“ It’s a healthy competition with Dodi with Isaac and even with Chidera, it’s a very healthy ] competition we all know that we want the best for ourselves and for the club.
“ The coach tries to make it very, very fair so the competition is healthy .I’m in the right group, so i want to impress , I want to come to the stadium and perform ; i want to come to the stadium and score goals.
“ If it doesn’t happen, okay but I am very confident that I’m in the right place, in the right group so there’s no pressure,” he noted.
Meanwhile, in a wide range of questions, Adams pulled no punches as he opened up to media on his trajectory like never before across sundry issues. Excerpts…
From Montpellier to Sevilla
Nobody tells you (about how big Sevilla FC is) , you just know that it’s a great club. And there is one phrase I’ve learned since I came here and it literarily means , ‘ there is only one great club which is Sevilla’. You don’t need to be told because you feel it right away from the atmosphere at the club , how everything is set up, the professionalism of everything. It’s a great club with great history, and not just history, even until now. I have just been here for just two months and I feel a part of everything going on. It’s been really, really good for me.
Joining Sevilla
You just don’t say no to a club like Sevilla. If you go through the archives of the club, you’ll see the mark they have made and I’ve watched Sevilla countless number of times in Europe . Even while I was in Nigeria growing up from the academies, we get to talk about them. So, for me being a player of Sevilla , it’s not just only a privilege but an opportunity I could not turn down .There were clubs that were speaking to me but once Sevilla came into the picture, it was done because from the analysis and how they know me what they want from me. They were very direct in the project they want. I wanted to be part of something that is going somewhere and in the direction I want. They are the kings of Europe as it stands. So I want to be the king of Europe as well. That for me, is a big opportunity.
Settling down and coping with new life in Seville
I was in France for a season and a half and I’ve been in Sevilla for two months but like I said, until you come inside (this club) you don’t know how big it is. It looks very great outside but it is even greater inside as well and you feel it in the sense of the administration of the club. I’ve no worries to get settled in. I did not have to worry about anything, about where to live or how to go about my day, I just have to train and because everything is fixed for you. So, settling down has been very good for me. I’m learning the (Spanish) language. I’m trying to do many things to get into the society. And yeah, I don’t really do so much. I don’t go out a lot. So I just finish from training, try to rest up for the next training. So life is kind of a routine. I don’t do so much outside of the beach. Yes, restaurants and sometimes in the city to see one or two things. There are many good places an Seville is a lovely city.
I am very, very passionate about learning languages because I think even outside of football, it develops you as a person. So I tried my best with French. I can speak at least a little bit of English and I’m learning Spanish by the grace of God as well. With these three languages , I think I can be confident and comfortable around the world. So I’m trying and the guys, we are just throwing banters here and there. I say something wrong and everybody laughs but I’m comfortable with that.
Battling with injury after joining Sevilla
It’s unfortunate. That’s the truth about getting injured when you’re just coming to a team. But like I said, they knew me and they know what they wanted. So I was not in this place to just prove myself. Maybe, that is only applicable to the fans, but not to the club because the club signed me because they know me. I’ve got all the right support from the medical staff .From the coaches, I’ve had the biggest support and you could see from videos how happy they were when i joined the first training last week. So the group as well the boys have been very encouraging to me even when i was not on the pitch with them.
The medical team is fantastic and they’ve done the best to help me come back to fitness in a very, very quick time. The injury did not come at a good time but everything happens for a reason .
Being with Ejuke and other Nigerians at Sevilla.
I met Kelechi Iheanacho when I got here and there is also Chidera Ejuke here at Sevilla. Kelechi is a top, top guy. For the few weeks I was able to spend with him. I have known Chidera for some time and the fact that we worked under the same agency, made it easier for me too.
Dreams of playing for Nigeria
I would like to represent Nigeria on the national level. I would say, yes (playing for Nigeria) because it’s not an ambition. It’s a dream, you know. It’s a dream to be able to wear the colours of your country. I have before (U20 level) . So I’m think about doing it again, not just for me, for my family, it’s would be thing of joy to play with the Super Eagles. We are over 200 million, that’s a lot of people and you will be counted lucky if you get a chance to play for the national team and that’s how i see the senior national team and that it will come in God’s time.
Recent Super Eagles call up
Firstly for the Super Eagles, I think (the possibility of getting called up) has been coming up for the past two three years now and to finally get a call, even though I was just coming back from injury , I’m very grateful to God. We have so many players in Nigeria and to be part of the coach (Eric Sekou Chelle) 39-man , means I’ve done something right and by the grace of God I’m now in the right place to take that step forward. The focus for me right now is absolutely on Sevilla because we have a lot of objectives to catch up to this season. The better I do for my club, I think the opportunity for the national team will come,” he stressed. “We (Nigeria) have really good strikers but I think everybody has their place.”
Being Benue Boy through-and-through
My journey has been very, very long to be honest. I am born in Kogi State because my dad worked there as a teacher but I am from Benue State originally. My both parents are from Otukpo in Benue State. I’m Idoma originally. Like I said earlier, I was born in Kogi state, so I speak Igala as well. And then I grew up in Minna, so I speak Hausa as well.
Favourite foods
I try to stay as professional as possible. I don’t overindulge in the Western or by indulging in the African dishes. i just do what my body wants and I’ve patterned this over a n a couple of years with the chef and so, i just eat what my body really need. Actually, I have not eaten so much Nigerian foods since I got to Seville . I try to take rice and all of these things, but I’ve not eaten so much Nigerian foods because I eat most times in the clubhouse and they just give us what is good for us. But my favourite Nigerian food is rice and beans .
Battling with racism
For me, I have not personally experienced it, not in the clubs that I’ve been, to be honest. And the group that I am now, from the staff, from the club to the least person, everybody is welcoming and taking everybody in. And in the last game, if you saw the game we played against Bilbao, we’re having a shirt against racism for the entrance of the first team. So I think the LaLiga is doing a lot on their own to put a stop to racism. In my own club here at Sevilla, there is nothing like that.
Sevilla FC striker Akor Adams is confident the Super Eagles would ride their luck against the Amavubi this evening in Kigali and pick the maximum three points to revive the Nigeria’s home for a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Super Eagles face a tricky test at the Amahoro Stadium but Akor, who missed the final 23-men to prosecute this month’s crucial qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, is backing Nigeria all the way.
“This weekend, by the grace of God, the objective is to win and try to get a place in the World Cup, and thereafter every other thing will come from there,” he said with a cherry smiles.
Fielding questions with selected Nigerian media outfits in an interview facilitated by the LaLiga in conjunction with Sevilla FC , the 25-year–old who switched from French Ligue 1 side, Montpellier in January, said his inclusion in the initial 39-man Provisional Squad for the World Cup Matchday 5 and 6, was an indication of the great stride he has made with his fledging career.
Adams believes it’s just a matter of time that he bounces back to reckoning by performing well in the LaLiga after overcoming recent injury setback after joining Sevilla FC.
“ Firstly for the Super Eagles, I think (possibility of getting called up) has been coming up for the past two three years now and to finally get a call, even though I was just coming back from injury , I’m very grateful to God,” the prowling striker that made his breakthrough with Sogndal (Norway) and Lillestrøm (Sweden), said. “We have so many players in Nigeria and to be part of the coach (Eric Sekou Chelle) 39-man , means I’ve done something right and by the grace of God I’m now in the right place to take that step forward.
“ The focus for me right now is absolutely on Sevilla because we have a lot of objectives to catch up to this season,” he noted.
Though Adams admitted that that coach Chelle is blessed with a plethora of good strikers to choose for the Super Eagles but he’s confident he can find a place in the national team once he makes a name for himself with his hugely successful LaLiga outfit.
“The better I do for my club, I think the opportunity for the national team will come,” he stressed. “We (Nigeria) have really good strikers but I think everybody has their place.”
Sevilla latest signing Nigerian player Akor Adams said Nigerian playmate Chidera Ejuke helped him decide to come to the Spanish club.
Arriving in Spain Saturday from Montpellier-France, Adams said he was given a good review of the Europa League winners by their player Ejuke, before signing.
Adams, 25, has been in modest form for Montpellier scoring 11 goals in 47 appearances.
When he asked fellow Nigerian Ejuke what he should do the answer was clear: “He told me just to come and that I would love it here.”
He also said how Sevilla were a club that he has always admired:
“I’ve been watching the club a long time before I even had the dream of coming here. Mostly the things they have done in Europe, they have conquered Europe basically. I’ve seen many of the finals. For me, it’s a great club and a pleasure to be in such a club.”
The club has had a number of legendary African players and Adams is hoping to follow in their footsteps:
“I think there’s been a lot of history in the club, so I’m just here to play a part in that history and try to write my own. They have made it easier for us to come through, and I want to write my own story with Sevilla as well.”
On Wednesday he turned 25: “For me and my family, it is an early birthday present. It’s been a very warm welcome.
“I’m very happy to be here. It’s been a very warm reception. The past couple of days there has been a lot up to this moment but I’m happy we’ve got everything done and we’re here now.”
Having landed on Saturday he was able to take in his first match at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán:
“I think it was fantastic. My first impression I will remember for a long time and I loved it from the anthem till the end. There was a very good atmosphere. The fans are really good. We should have won the game, but Espanyol were very defensive, so hopefully we can win the next one fingers crossed.”
Now it is time to adjust to a new style of play as soon as possible: “Watching the game on Saturday I could see myself fitting into the team. In football you never know until you start but France is a different league from Spanish football and I want to just do my best to fit in as much as possible where the team needs me. It’s good to know what the coach wants. I saw the game and how they played.” On his playing style he said: “I like to play in the spaces and I can play alongside another striker or alone. I like to help take the pressure of the team and most importantly I love to score goals.”
In closing he made it clear he can’t wait to get started: “The most important thing is that I am fit and mentally ready. I have had a very warm welcome since I arrived and I will join the group and try to adapt as quickly as possible, getting better with each game. I am ready.”
Interestingly, he had an important goal-scoring breakthrough upon his arrival in both Norwegian and French soccer: “I hope to repeat that here. It would be great to come into a new environment and a new system and see that I continue to do what I’ve always done. In Norway I had a very good career, I was in a good team and so it was a collective achievement. In France, I also achieved the same in my first season, so I hope to repeat the same here and give my best.”
Finally, his aims: “More than my goal, our goal, now that I belong to the club, is to fight for Europe, be a good teammate and bring to the team everything I can.”
