Super Eagles forward Ako Adams announced his return to club football after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, saving Sevilla a point with a stunning two-goal cameo off the bench in a dramatic league game against Elche.
Adams, who just helped Nigeria win a bronze medal at AFCON 2025 in Morocco, continued to maintain the excellent form he brought back from his international assignment.
Akole Adams played a key role in Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 campaign, with two goals and two assists as the Super Eagles won the bronze medal.
Sevilla were stunned in the early stages as Elche took the initiative.
Sevilla withstood a tough early game and started to catch up from the start.
Elche took advantage of Sevilla’s slow start and scored the first goal in the 14th minute when Alex Febas broke the deadlock.
Germán Varela doubled Elche’s advantage in the 55th minute and Sevilla suffered a defeat.
With the game running away, Sevilla turned to the Nigerian forward.
Eiko Adams changed the rhythm of the game
Adams was introduced in the second half and immediately injected pace, aggression and belief into Sevilla’s attack.
The comeback began in the 75th minute, when Adams was quickest to react inside the penalty area and score from close range, closing the gap and shifting momentum.
Sevilla were handed a lifeline late in stoppage time when Alvaro Rodriguez was penalized for handballing inside the penalty area.
Adams stepped forward, calm as ice.
The striker calmly slotted a penalty into the top right corner to complete his second goal in a row and Sevilla scored a dramatic equalizer late on.
Statistics: Acor Adam vs Elche
Beyond the decisive goal, Adams delivered a strong all-around performance that highlighted his growing influence.
His match statistics include:
Number of completed passes: 5 times Shots on target: 3 times Number of clearances: 2 times Number of balls recovered: 3 times
It showed a player full of confidence, sharpness, and greed.
The African Cup of Nations seems to have been a huge confidence booster for Adams and all signs point to an upward trajectory for the Nigerian forward.
“Don’t tell me it’s just a bronze” – Adams on his AFCON experience
Following Nigeria’s third-place finish at AFCON 2025, Adams spoke passionately about the Super Eagles’ achievements, insisting that the bronze medal should not be underestimated.
Nigeria defeated Egypt in a penalty shootout to take third place. Adams made it clear that although the gold medal was her goal, she was still proud of the result.
“We came to AFCON aiming for the gold medal, and even though we didn’t get it, we were proud of what we accomplished,” Adams said.
“Don’t say it’s just a bronze medal. There are teams who came here and went home with nothing.”
Unity, Growth, and the Influence of Eric Schell
Adams also highlighted the cohesiveness within the Super Eagles squad, describing a group that has grown stronger on and off the pitch throughout the tournament.
“We’re a very strong group. Everyone will go home with better friendships and better people,” he said.
“We have grown so much together in the last three weeks.”
The forward gave special praise to head coach Eric Schell, praising him for building the team and giving him the opportunity to represent Nigeria.
“We all thank Eric Schell for what he has done for us as a group,” Adams added.
“He made us better people and gave me the opportunity to represent my beloved Nigeria.”
Eiko Adams also revealed that he was dealing with personal family matters during the tournament and thanked the CAF medical team for their support.
“As with all tournaments, things happen along the way and family issues are an integral part of that,” he explained.
“We are grateful that nothing was out of control and we are grateful to the CAF medical staff who took care of her.”
“She’s much better now. I’m glad we went through this together.”
Read more: “A dream come true” – Akole Adams celebrates Super Eagles call-up. Aiming for victory in AFCON
Read more: Exclusive: “It’s not about the record, it’s not about the fame” – Achor Adams reveals her ultimate dream
Read more: How Nigeria’s Super Eagles won 8 bronze medals at AFCON 2025
“We have won” – Eiko Adams
Adams concluded by saying it was important for the Super Eagles to finish the tournament on a good note, although he admitted that they were not completely satisfied with the bronze medal.
“I’m not completely satisfied, but we managed to get the win,” he concluded.
