Eric Chelle has given a mixed verdict on Akor Adams after the Venezia striker started Nigeria’s 3-1 win over Tanzania in Uyo — praising his work rate while insisting he should have scored “two or three goals”.
Adams led the line alongside Ademola Lookman on Friday night and was replaced by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in the second half, having failed to add to his seven goals in 18 caps for Nigeria. Chelle was happy with what the 26-year-old gave the team — but not with what he left on the pitch.
“Adams, he gave everything, but he had the chance to score maybe two or three goals today,” Chelle said during his post-match press conference. “He ran a lot and gave everything for the group, but in the end he has to be better at scoring goals.”
Akor Adams Chelle verdict: praise for the work rate, a warning on finishing
Chelle’s message was clear: the effort is not the problem, the finishing is. Adams pressed from the front all night, and the Super Eagles boss pointed to the opening goal as proof of what his striker brings even when he is not scoring.
“You saw the high press: he gets the ball back, passes to Ade, 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 said.
Yusuf finished the move in the second minute to give Nigeria the dream start, with Lookman providing the assist. Tanzania levelled through Alphonce Msanga in the 32nd minute before substitute Tolu Arokodare scored twice in eight minutes to settle the game — and Chelle has since hailed Arokodare as one of the best strikers in the world.
Adams himself went close to adding a fourth late on, and Arokodare was denied a hat-trick by Tanzania goalkeeper Aishi Manula. OwnGoal Nigeria’s player ratings gave Adams 5/10, noting he “wasted two good chances to get on the score sheet” while adding that “his work rate still remains his greatest asset”.
Adams’ night in Uyo: the press that made the opener
With Victor Osimhen still out injured, Adams was the man trusted to lead the line from the start in Uyo. He arrived in camp with a stoppage-time equaliser in the 3-3 friendly draw with Russia behind him, and Chelle clearly values the dirty work he does — winning the ball high, holding it up and dragging defenders out of position.
But the numbers tell the other half of the story. Adams has seven goals in 18 appearances for Nigeria, and on a night when the Super Eagles created enough to win by more, his misses kept Tanzania in the game until Arokodare came off the bench. In a group where goal difference could yet matter, Chelle will not want his starting striker leaving goals behind.
What the verdict means for Zanzibar
The return leg is on Tuesday 17 November at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar, and Chelle now has a selection call to make. Arokodare has four goals in 13 caps after his brace, and the coach’s praise for the Ajax striker could hardly have been warmer. Adams, for his part, has the manager’s public backing on his work rate — and a public challenge on his finishing.
There is also a fitness question hanging over the attack. Lookman was forced off in first-half stoppage time with a knee knock and is a doubt for Tuesday, so Chelle may need both of his strikers ready. Adams has been told what is expected of him. In Zanzibar, he will get the chance to show he heard it.
Nigeria sit second in Group L on six points, one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau on seven, after the leaders were held 1-1 by Madagascar on Thursday. For more on the qualifiers, check today’s predictions.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0) — collage by SportsBuddy
