Super Eagles: Tunisia & AFCON 2025 rivals can take encouragement from bizarre Akor Adams’ stat

Super Eagles forward Akor Adams has picked up an unusual distinction in Spain and across all major European leagues. 

Data published by Estadio Deportivo shows the Sevilla striker has been flagged offside 22 times, the highest tally in Europe’s top five divisions this season. No striker in Italy, Germany, England or France has matched that number, with Moise Kean, Ransford Königsdörffer, Evanilson and Bamba Dieng trailing the Nigerian.

The former Lorient forward’s output in front of goal has stalled in recent weeks. He scored twice in his first stretch of matches but has now gone seven games without adding to his tally, his last goal coming in early October’s 4-1 win over Barcelona. Even in the drought, he remains an automatic pick for Sevilla and completed another 90 minutes in their 1-1 draw with Valencia on Sunday.

The numbers show that Adams attacks space constantly, but mistimes the final step too often. The offside count stands out because it is so far ahead of every other striker in Europe’s top leagues this season.

Can Super Eagles rely on Osimhen-Adams partnership at AFCON 2025?

Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) Group C opponents, Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania will not ignore those numbers. They already expect the Super Eagles to lean heavily on pace and direct movement, especially with Victor Osimhen still working his way to full sharpness.

What complicates matters is that Osimhen himself is not always precise with the timing of his runs, something defenders have exploited in club and international football.

That raises the tactical question: is an Osimhen–Adams pairing as effective as many assume? Both thrive on similar zones and similar triggers, and both walk the offside tightrope more than most. Eric Chelle may need to judge whether that combination provides enough variation or whether alternatives, Ademola Lookman, Terem Moffi, or a wider front three give Nigeria a cleaner structure in Morocco.

Adams has already scored twice in his first four caps and is part of the provisional AFCON squad. His offside numbers do not erase his value, but they offer a different kind of scouting note, one that Group C opponents will study closely heading into AFCON 2025.