Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has offered an honest assessment of Akor Adams’ performance following Nigeria’s 3-1 victory over Tanzania, acknowledging the striker’s contribution while pointing out missed opportunities in front of goal.
Nigeria began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a victory in Uyo on Thursday, with Tolu Arokodare coming off the bench to score twice and help the Super Eagles secure all three points.
Adams started alongside Ademola Lookman in attack but failed to find the net despite having opportunities to increase Nigeria’s advantage.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Chelle admitted that the forward could have made a greater impact on the scoresheet, although he was satisfied with his overall commitment and work rate.
“Adams, he gave everything but he had the chance to score maybe two or three goals today,” Chelle said.
“He ran a lot and gave everything for the group, but at the end he has to be better to score some goals.”
The coach, however, was keen to highlight Adams’ importance to Nigeria’s attacking approach, particularly his pressing ability, which contributed to the team’s opening goal.
According to Chelle, Adams played a crucial role in the move that resulted in Alhassan Yusuf’s early breakthrough.
The striker pressed to recover possession before releasing Lookman, who supplied the assist for Yusuf to put Nigeria ahead.
“The high pressure you see, he gets the ball back in a few minutes, passes to Ade (Lookman) and Ade passes to Alhassan Yusuf to score.
“So, if he is not there, we don’t have the ball. So, I am happy,” Chelle explained.
Adams eventually made way for Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in the second half, with Arokodare subsequently making his presence felt by scoring twice to strengthen Nigeria’s grip on the contest.
While Arokodare emerged as the match-winner with his brace, Chelle’s comments highlighted the different contributions of his attacking options, with Adams providing the pressing intensity and link-up play that helped create opportunities.
The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to the return fixture against Tanzania, where Adams will have another opportunity to translate his hard work into goals as Nigeria seek to maintain their winning start to the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
