Former Super Eagles coach and legend Sunday Oliseh has sparked discussion by highlighting the performance of a less-heralded player following Nigeria's opening victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. While Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman grabbed attention, Oliseh reserved his highest praise for debutant forward Akor Adams.
Oliseh's Surprising Verdict on the Tanzania Clash
Nigeria began its AFCON 2025 campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Tanzania on Tuesday night, December 23, at the Complexe Sportif de Fes in Morocco. The three-time champions took the lead through defender Semi Ajayi in the 36th minute, assisted by Alex Iwobi, before Charles M'Mombwa equalized for the Taifa Stars. The winning goal came from Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman, who curled in a left-footed strike in the 52nd minute.
Despite goals from Ajayi and Lookman, and the presence of African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen leading the line, Sunday Oliseh pointed to a different player as the key difference-maker. In comments reported by Complete Sports, the 1994 AFCON winner expressed his admiration for the work rate of Sevilla striker Akor Adams.
"I am impressed with Akor Adams' performance against Tanzania," Oliseh stated. "He was all over the pitch trying to make things happen for the Super Eagles." Oliseh emphasized that the former Lillestrøm and Montpellier player made a significant impact before being substituted.
Akor Adams Responds with Confidence and Title Ambition
Following the match, Akor Adams himself expressed satisfaction with the team's result and his own contribution. In a video shared on social media platform X, the 25-year-old striker acknowledged room for improvement ahead of Nigeria's next Group C match against Tunisia on Saturday, December 27.
"We are going to improve on what we did today," Adams said. "It was a good game from our side and the most important thing in a tournament is victory, not so much on how you play." He stressed that the team's primary objective was securing three points, which they achieved.
Addressing his personal output, the confident forward assured fans that his goals and assists would arrive at the crucial moment. "I feel good, my confidence mostly comes from my physical shape and I feel very good on the pitch," he explained. "The goals will come and the assists will come. For now, we are focused on taking the points."
Adams also reaffirmed the squad's determination to win the AFCON title, using the pain of missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup as motivation. "We come to win, everybody came to win... Yes, we missed out on the World Cup... it's very sad but we plan to go as far as possible and we are working towards it," he declared.
Ndidi Addresses Osimhen's Substitution Reaction
The match was not without its minor drama, as star striker Victor Osimhen appeared visibly frustrated when substituted by coach Eric Chelle. Team captain Wilfred Ndidi later addressed the incident, attributing Osimhen's reaction to passion and disappointment at not scoring against a side Nigeria was expected to beat comfortably.
Ndidi's explanation sought to downplay any notion of discontent, framing it as a top striker's natural hunger for goals. This moment, coupled with Oliseh's praise for Akor Adams, highlights the intense competition and high expectations within the Super Eagles camp as they pursue a fourth continental crown in Morocco.
