Super Eagles: 3 reasons Akor Adams needs a big performance against Russia

Super Eagles forward Akor Adams is in contention to feature in Nigeria’s friendly game against Russia next Tuesday, Afrik-Foot reports.

Nigeria take on the European side in their third game of the September international window, aiming to bounce back from their disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their last match.

That defeat was a major blow to their chances of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations tournament, as they failed to build on the 2-1 win over Madagascar in their opening game.

Adams was one of the players who failed to live up to expectations in those two games as he struggled upfront and failed to shine in the absence of Victor Osimhen, who missed out of the squad with injury.

The 26-year-old is one of the most experienced players in the squad for the Russia friendly game and now has another chance to impress Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle and there are several reasons why a big performance could be very important for the Venezia forward.

Akor Adams must respond to poor AFCON 2027 qualifiers display

One major reason Adams needs a strong display against Russia is due to his performances in Nigeria’s opening AFCON qualifiers.

The 26-year-old was handed a more important role in the games against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, but failed to take responsibility in the Super Eagles attack.

While Nigeria won the first game, Adams was unable to establish himself as a major threat before he was replaced in the second half and was even penalized for a disallowed goal in the first half.

A strong performance against Russia would allow Adams to put that outing behind him and remind Chelle of the qualities that earned him his place in the national team.

The Venezia forward has already shown his qualities and he can put that poor run of form behind him with a good outing.

A chance to show his importance to the Super Eagles

Another major reason for Adams to perform is the competition for places in the Super Eagles attack.

Nigeria is blessed with a wide pool of attacking talents and the Venezia striker is one of the few players retained for the Russia friendly, giving him a big chance to impress once again and stake a claim for a regular place.

The Super Eagles boast one of Africa’s best talents which includes the likes of Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, George Ilenikhena, Tolu Arokodare, Taiwo Awoniyi and Kelechi Iheanacho and Adams must avoid another poor performance to avoid dropping down the pecking order.

A goal would obviously help, but his overall performance will also matter and a complete performance against Russia could strengthen his case for more opportunities in future Super Eagles squads.

The need to remind Nigerians of his qualities 

Another reason Adams needs a big performance is simple: he needs to show that he can be trusted to provide goals for Nigeria especially when Osimhen is absent.

Ahead of the win over Madagascar, Adams had revealed his ambition of helping the team with his goals.

“Score goals, help the team to win, and give some good support to my teammates as well”, he told Footy-Africa.

However, he failed to deliver that and now has another opportunity against Russia.

Adams can operate as a lone striker and can also play in a two-man attack, but will need to improve his pressing and linkup play to help the team against Russia.

If Adams can lead the line well and cause enough threat for the Russian defence, he could leave Chelle with a much stronger impression than he did against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau and boost his chances of returning to the team for the doubleheader against Tanzania in November.