Super Eagles forward Akor Adams was briefly excused from Nigeria’s team base in Fez on Tuesday after his mother was hospitalized, just hours before the Super Eagles’ emphatic 4–0 victory over Mozambique in their AFCON 2025 Round of 16 clash.
Despite the personal challenge, the 25-year-old delivered a standout performance in Monday’s knockout encounter, scoring once and providing two assists in one of Nigeria’s most dominant displays of the tournament.
Temporary Absence, No Cause for Concern
Clarifying reports that suggested Adams had left the national team camp indefinitely, Super Eagles Media Officer Promise Efoghe confirmed that the striker’s absence was brief and fully authorized.
“Akor Adams didn’t leave camp on a long-term basis,” Efoghe told journalists.
“He only left the hotel to see his parents, who are in Fez and located just a few minutes’ drive from the team’s hotel. He returned in less than an hour, just before lunchtime, and is with the team.”
Adams rejoined his teammates in time for Nigeria’s scheduled recovery session later in the day.
Emotional Dedication After First AFCON Goal
Following Monday’s match, Adams revealed that his mother had been hospitalized earlier that same morning and dedicated his goal, his first at the Africa Cup of Nations, to her.
Speaking in the mixed zone after the game, the Sevilla forward said his mother had initially planned to watch the match from the stadium.
“Glory to God for scoring my first AFCON goal, like many of you have been waiting for,” Adams said.
“But the goal is dedicated to my mom. She was supposed to be here, but she’s in the hospital right now. She was admitted this morning, but she’s much better now.”
Match Impact and Growing Super Eagles Record
Adams capped Nigeria’s commanding performance with a 70th-minute strike, opening his AFCON goal account in style. He also assisted Ademola Lookman’s opener and played a key role in Nigeria’s second goal, finished clinically by Victor Osimhen.
The goal took Adams’ international record to three goals and three assists in eight appearances for Nigeria, an impressive return since his debut.
He made his Super Eagles debut in October 2025 during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, marking the occasion with a goal in a 2–1 victory over Lesotho.
Focus Returns to the Quarter-Finals
With his mother reported to be recovering and Adams fully reintegrated into camp, attention now turns back to Nigeria’s AFCON campaign as the Super Eagles prepare for their quarter-final showdown.
For Adams, Monday night was a reminder that football’s biggest moments often intersect with life’s most personal ones and that resilience can shine brightest under pressure.
