Former Heartland boss Hassan Abdullah believes Akor Adams’ strength could add value to the Super Eagles attack, comparing the Montpellier front man to Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface.
Having played in the Norwegian league with Sogndal and Lillestrøm SK, Adams moved to Ligue 1 side Montpellier in 2023, where he scored 10 goals in 33 appearances in his debut season.
He has also kicked off the 2024-2025 campaign in spectacular fashion, scoring three goals and providing two assists in just six appearances.
Despite his blistering form, the 24-year-old attacker is yet to make his first cap for the Nigerian national team; however, he has previously represented the country at the lower age-grade—the 2019 U-20 FIFA World Cup.
Abdullah on Adams and Boniface
Abdallah is convinced that the Super Eagles setup needs a physically powerful forward like Adams, noting how this distinctive quality separates him from other forwards, especially Boniface, who recently revealed he tries to add aggressiveness to his game by understudying Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen.
“I scouted Victor Boniface and Akor Adams. Boniface is good because of his height, ball-holding ability, and dribbling, which is why I converted him into a point man,” Abdallah told Brila FM.
“Akor, on the other hand, has more strength than Boniface. He can bully defenders, but his intelligence is 50-50.
“When Akor is played between central defenders, they don’t move forward; they have to wait. I’ve expected them to invite him to the national team because he has been doing well.”
“He has the power, and we need someone like that,” he added.
Adams has played in 145 games during his professional career in Europe, tallying 57 goals and 18 assists.
