Super Eagles: 3 areas Akor Adams must improve to become Nigeria’s main man

Super Eagles striker Akor Adams has the physical profile and experience to become Nigeria’s next leading striker, but his latest performance showed three areas he must improve before taking that responsibility, Afrik-Foot reports.

With Victor Osimhen unavailable for the September international window, Adams was allowed to lead Nigeria’s attack alongside George Ilenikhena against Madagascar.

It was an opportunity he failed to fully exploit. The Venezia striker was replaced after 60 minutes without registering a shot on target, while George Ilenikhena scored on his debut and Moses Usor came off the bench to grab the winner in Nigeria’s 2-1 comeback victory.

Adams’ disappointing outing should not erase what he has already achieved. He scored 10 goals and provided three assists in 32 La Liga appearances for Sevilla last season before joining Venezia in July.

He has also scored once in five Serie A appearances this campaign, but if Adams is to eventually become Nigeria’s main attacking reference point, these three areas require attention.

Super Eagles: 3 areas Akor Adams must improve

1. He must become more involved in Nigeria’s attack

The biggest concern against Madagascar was how little Adams influenced the game.

Nigeria dominated possession and produced 22 attempts, yet Adams failed to register an attempt on target.

That is not necessarily an indication that the striker cannot perform at international level. Madagascar defended compactly, and Nigeria struggled to consistently penetrate through the middle.

However, a centre-forward hoping to become the team’s main man has to find ways of imposing himself even when the service is poor.

Adams must improve his movement off the ball, especially his ability to drop into spaces, drag defenders out of position and create passing lanes for the players behind him. His involvement needs to be felt even when he is not scoring.

2. His finishing has to improve

Adams’ career record shows that he can score consistently when settled, but Nigeria need a striker who can turn relatively few opportunities into goals.

That becomes important when Osimhen returns, and the competition for the No.9 position becomes even more intense.

Against Madagascar, Nigeria created enough opportunities to win comfortably, but Adams did not have a single attempt himself.

The next step is to take chances whenever they arrive, no matter how few. The goals do not have to be spectacular, he just has to put the ball in the back of the net.

3. He must improve his technical and tactical consistency

This is the most important long-term issue. Adams’ Venezia coach Giovanni Stroppa previously praised his ability to press, drop deep and attack the goal, but also acknowledged that there was room for improvement technically and tactically.

That assessment is relevant to Nigeria because Eric Chelle wants his forwards to contribute beyond simply finishing attacks.

Adams needs to become more consistent in his pressing, link-up play and positioning when Nigeria have possession.

His physical qualities can make him difficult to handle, but becoming Nigeria’s main striker requires more than being a strong target.

It requires understanding when to hold the ball, when to run behind, when to drop and when to attack the box.

That is the difference between being another option and becoming the team’s main man.

Adams still has time to make the position his own

The 26-year-old already has 16 senior appearances and six goals for Nigeria, and so his international career is still developing.

His next opportunity could come against Guinea-Bissau, particularly with Ilenikhena facing a fitness concern ahead of today’s qualifier.

Adams does not need to become Osimhen overnight, but if he can become more involved, more ruthless in front of goal and consistent in his technical and tactical execution, he can give Chelle an alternative at the centre of Nigeria’s attack.