2 Akor Adams qualities that delighted Venezia coach in Napoli win

Akor Adams gave Venezia their first Serie A victory of the season with the decisive goal against Napoli, but new coach Davide Nicola believes the Super Eagles striker has even more to offer.

The 26-year-old scored in the 49th minute to secure a 1-0 win over Napoli on Saturday, October 17, rewarding Nicola with a winning start after replacing Giovanni Stroppa.

Adams’ goal was a sigh of relief for Venezia, who had lost their opening six league matches and needed a result to revive their campaign.

2 Akor Adams qualities that delighted Venezia coach

Nicola’s post-match comments revealed that the striker’s contribution went beyond finding the net, with the coach highlighting his attitude, personality and drive to be better.

“He puts his heart into it,” the 53-year-old said in quotes revealed by Tuttosport.

“He has important qualities, listens, has personality and helps the team. He has incredible room for improvement.”

1. Adams’ work rate and willingness to fight for Venezia

One of the qualities that impressed the Italian tactician was Adams’ commitment to the team’s cause.

The coach explained that the forward had arrived at Venezia determined to help the club, while his willingness to listen and follow instructions has quickly made him a valuable presence in the squad.

That attitude mattered in a match against a Napoli side packed with quality. Venezia needed discipline and collective effort to protect their advantage, particularly as the visitors pushed for an equaliser in the second half.

Adams’ performance also showed that his value to the team does not depend entirely on scoring. His ability to compete for the ball, work for his teammates and contribute to the collective effort gives Nicola another dimension in attack.

The striker’s goal decided the game, but his off-the-ball work was just as important, and his post-match reaction conveyed the same message.

“Our fans are truly very important. They have suffered alongside us, and we need their energy,” Akor Adams said in quotes revealed by Venezia’s website.

“We will give our all in every match, for them too. Coach Nicola is very direct in the way he communicates with us.

“He asked us to work hard on the intensity of our play and gave us clear instructions, focusing on collective work in the defensive phase and during transitions to help us move into the attacking phase.

“The most important thing today is the three points. On a personal level, I don’t set myself specific goals. I think that here in Venice I have the opportunity to learn a great deal and improve.”

🇳🇬🥰 Akor Adams’ reaction said it all. The Nigerian scored the winner as Venezia secured their first win of the season against Napoli. ⚽️ https://t.co/VtSCtNFSHf

— Soar Africa! (@SoarAfrica) October 17, 2026

2. Adams’ personality and potential for further improvement

Nicola also highlighted Adams’ personality and his ability to absorb instructions, suggesting that the Nigerian still has considerable room to develop.

The coach was careful not to focus solely on individual players, stressing that every member of his squad has qualities to offer. Nevertheless, he made a point of praising Adams’ potential after the victory.

Those comments are encouraging for Adams, who is still working to establish himself in Italian football after joining Venezia from Sevilla.

His winner against Napoli offers a platform to build on, but consistency will be important if he is to fulfil the expectations surrounding him.

Nicola’s emphasis on improvement suggests that the coach sees the striker as a player who can become more effective as he adapts to the team’s demands.

While the win over Napoli gave Venezia their first three points of the Serie A campaign, Nicola’s side are still bottom of the table and are at a serious risk of relegation if they don’t accrue more points in the coming weeks.