Hassan Abdallah, the former coach of Heartland, has expressed strong expectations for Akor Adams, a striker playing for Montpellier, to receive an invitation to join the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national football team. Abdallah’s optimism is grounded in Adams’ outstanding performance in Ligue 1 during the 2024/25 season, where he has scored three goals and provided two assists in just six matches. As the Super Eagles prepare for a critical double-header against Libya in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, interim coach Austin Eguavoen is expected to finalize his squad selection this week. Abdallah believes that Adams’ attributes make him a compelling candidate for national team duty.
Through a scouting lens, Abdallah has previously evaluated both Adams and fellow striker Victor Boniface. He highlighted Boniface’s height and ball-handling skills, which led him to convert Boniface into a striking role. However, Abdallah emphasizes that Adams possesses superior strength and the capability to overpower defenders, making him a unique asset. He noted that when Adams is positioned between central defenders, it creates hesitation in their defensive approach, suggesting that his playing style demands careful attention from opposing teams. Abdallah’s firm belief in Adams’ ability to excel at the international level adds weight to the anticipation surrounding his potential call-up.
The Super Eagles boast an impressive lineup of forwards who currently feature prominently in major European leagues, including talents like Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Taiwo Awoniyi, Cyriel Dessers, and Kelechi Iheanacho. However, Abdallah argues that there is still a significant role for a player with Adams’ physicality and style within the squad. He asserts that Nigeria could benefit from a robust forward like Adams, who can contribute to the team’s dynamic in attack. Abdallah concluded that Adams’ distinct qualities and current form make him an essential candidate for national team selection, reinforcing the necessity for diverse playing styles among attackers.
Akor Adams began his professional football journey in August 2018 when he transitioned from Nigeria’s Jamba Football Academy to the Norwegian club Sogndal. His inaugural season was challenging due to injuries, but by the end of 2021, he had made a notable impact, netting 10 goals in 28 appearances. This performance led to a lucrative three-year deal with Lillestrøm, where he continued to showcase his talent, scoring goals in both the Norwegian Cup and Eliteserien during his debut season. Adams’ consistent performances in Norway set a solid foundation for his career and caught the attention of scouts.
In 2023, Adams signed with Montpellier for €4.5 million, and he quickly adapted to the demands of Ligue 1, scoring seven goals in his first nine appearances for the club. His prolific scoring rate established him as one of the standout performers in the league, with only France’s Kylian Mbappe finishing the season ahead of him in the scoring charts. Despite facing injury challenges, Adams concluded the campaign with an impressive eight goals, highlighting his potential and resilience as a forward. His rapid ascent and performance in France have solidified his status as a rising star in Nigerian football.
In summary, the anticipation surrounding Akor Adams’ potential selection for the Super Eagles is fueled by his impressive current form and the strategic insights of coach Hassan Abdallah. As Nigeria prepares for crucial AFCON qualifiers, Abdallah’s advocacy for Adams underscores the importance of having a diverse range of attacking threats. Given the competitive landscape of international football and the depth of talent available within the Nigerian team, integrating a player of Adams’ caliber could provide a vital advantage. As the Super Eagles’ coaching staff finalizes their roster, the inclusion of Adams could not only enhance the team’s strength but also signify a commitment to leveraging emerging talents on the international stage.
