Super Eagles: 2 reasons behind Akor Adams’ difficult start at Venezia

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Super Eagles forward Akor Adams has endured a difficult start to life at Italian side Venezia and will be hoping to rediscover his best form as soon as possible.

Adams joined the newly promoted Serie A side from Sevilla during the summer transfer window in a club-record deal, arriving with expectations of making an immediate impact.

However, the Super Eagles forward has struggled to repay the club’s faith in his opening games, scoring just three goals in eight appearances across all competitions, with only one of those goals coming in six Serie A appearances.

His last goal also came in early September during a 4-2 defeat to Fiorentina, which remains his only goal in the league so far.

Venezia's Akor Adams celebrating after the Coppa Italia
Venezia’s Akor Adams. Copyright: ImagoxMattiaxRadoni/LaPressex

Adams’ struggles continued on Monday night as Venezia suffered a 3-1 defeat to Atalanta. The Super Eagles star played 83 minutes but failed to find the net, managing only two shots, both of which were off target.

While it is still early in his time at the club, there are two possible reasons behind his difficult start to life in Italy.

Super Eagles: 2 reasons behind Adams struggles at Venezia

1. Adaptation to a new environment have affected Super Eagles forward

Adams completed his move from Sevilla to Venezia during the summer and has had to adjust yo a different league and style of play.

The Nigerian forward is also still building understanding with his teammates, part of which has contributed to his struggles at the club.

With more games and training sessions alongside his teammates, Adams will hope to develop a better understanding of Venezia’s attacking system and begin to deliver the performances expected of him.

Super Eagles stars Calvin Bassey and Akor Adams
Super Eagles stars Calvin Bassey and Akor Adams. Photo by IMAGO

2. Adams is not getting enough clear-cut chances

Another possible reason for Adams’ slow start is the difficulty he has had in making the most of his opportunities in front of goal.

His performance against Atalanta showed another example of his struggles, as he managed only two shots in 83 minutes without getting on the scoresheet.

While Adams will be expected to improve his finishing, the number and quality of chances created for him will also play an important role in helping him regain his confidence.

If Venezia are to get the best out of the Super Eagles forward, they will need to find ways to involve him more consistently in their attacking play and provide him with better opportunities to score.

However, Adams must also make better use of the chances that come his way if he is to justify the club-record investment and establish himself as a reliable striker for the club.

Adams’ difficult start to the season also continued during the international break after a challenging period with the Super Eagles during their recent AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.

Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams of Super Eagles
Super Eagles stars. Photo by IMAGO

The Super Eagles forward struggled to make the desired impact in the matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

He eventually found the net in Nigeria’s friendly against Russia, scoring in the 3-3 draw. Adams will now be hoping to turn things around when Venezia face Napoli in their next match.

<!-- Author Start -->Ayomide Oguntimehin<!-- Author End -->

Ayomide Oguntimehin

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Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and Editor at Soccernet.ng & Afrik Foot. Ayomide has worked with Sports Brief, Naija News and served as Social Lead Editor at Legit.ng. He has also featured on Goal, TVC News, Sports Mole, Topmercato, and Milan News24, among others. He holds a master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Follow Ayomide on X: @ayo_oguntimehin.