Akor Adams: How Venezia’s new role helps Eric Chelle

Super Eagles striker Akor Adams has hit the ground running with his new club Venezia, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Super Eagles striker has started life in Italy in spectacular fashion, scoring twice and providing an assist on his competitive debut as Venezia defeated Modena 3-2 in the Coppa Italia.

But beyond the goals, another development could prove even more important for Nigeria coach Eric Chelle.

If Adams continues to operate in a front two at Venezia, he could be developing the exact role he already performs for the Super Eagles alongside Victor Osimhen.

Adams’ career has largely been built around playing as a lone No.9, including during his time at Sevilla.

At Venezia, however, the possibility of regularly playing alongside another forward could force him to expand his game beyond simply leading the line, which is what has made him effective for Nigeria.

Akor Adams is already comfortable alongside Osimhen

Chelle has used Adams alongside Osimhen rather than asking the former Sevilla striker to replace him.

The former Montpellier striker scored on his debut for Nigeria, and has been a constant name in Nigeria’s attack alongside Osimhen and Lookman. The partnership works because Adams offers something different.

While Osimhen’s game is built around explosive runs, physical duels and attacking the penalty area, Adams can drop deeper, link play and make movements that create space for his strike partner.

His contribution is not always measured by goals, but is almost as important.

During Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 campaign, Adams was praised for his decoy runs, movement and intelligent positioning, qualities that helped Osimhen and Ademola Lookman find space. That makes his new club role particularly intriguing.

Venezia could give Eric Chelle a tactical advantage

Adams’ competitive debut suggests he is already capable of making a decisive impact.

The 26-year-old scored Venezia’s first and third goals against Modena and also contributed an assist, immediately showing the attacking influence the club hoped to gain when they made him their record signing.

More importantly, Venezia coach Giovanni Stroppa has been using a system that can accommodate two strikers, giving Adams the possibility of becoming more than a traditional lone striker.

That could be hugely beneficial to Chelle. Instead of switching between roles at club and international level, he would be refining the same role in both environments.

For Nigeria, that little detail could make the partnership with Osimhen even more dangerous.

Adams wants to be Venezia’s focal point

Adams has already made clear that he came to Venezia with a point to prove.

“We can build something great here, and we have an excellent coach and excellent teammates. Coach Stroppa always pushes us to do more,” the former Sevilla striker said in quotes revealed by Venezia’s official website.

“At this stage, it is important to understand what he expects from us, but I am confident that we will be able to develop the style of football he wants us to play.”

The striker also believes Venezia can turn their return to Serie A into a successful campaign.

“I am happy to be here and to represent this club,” Akor Adams continued.

“It was a difficult start, even though we were in control of the game, but my goals then helped us secure the victory, which is what matters.

“We have a great deal to offer, and I am sure this will be a season we can enjoy. After speaking with sporting director Antonelli, I understood the importance of this project.”

Most importantly, Adams knows what he wants from his new role, an ambition that could benefit both Venezia and Nigeria.

“I want to be a focal point for the team and always look to score.”

If he can become a regular starter in a front two while continuing to score, link play and create space for a strike partner, Adams will not only be developing as a complete forward.

He will also be sharpening the exact qualities Chelle needs when he puts him alongside Osimhen.