- Sevilla’s Akor Adams faces uncertainty over his Super Eagles debut as the club prioritises his fitness ahead of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers
- Adams, recovering from an injury, was named in Nigeria’s 39-man squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers
- Adams, who featured at the 2019 U-20 World Cup, is still awaiting his senior Super Eagles debut
Nigerian forward Akor Adams' long-awaited Super Eagles debut may have to be postponed, as Sevilla manager García Pimienta has made it clear that the striker must receive full medical clearance before joining Nigeria’s squad for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Despite currently recovering from an injury, Adams was named in Nigeria’s 39-man preliminary squad for the crucial encounters against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. However, Sevilla is reluctant to release the 24-year-old forward, prioritising his rehabilitation over international duty.
Sevilla gives condition for Adams’ Nigeria call-up
Speaking ahead of Sevilla’s La Liga clash against Real Sociedad, Pimienta stated that Adams’ participation with Nigeria is conditional on his fitness status.
“To go with the national team, I understand that he should first be cleared by Sevilla, If this week and next week he is still not fully fit, he cannot go with the national team because he would not have competitive clearance. That depends on the medical team,” Pimienta said.
The manager acknowledged Nigeria’s desire to have Adams in the squad but emphasised that his primary duty is to get fit and contribute to Sevilla’s struggling attack first.
Sevilla’s struggles and Adams’ injury setback
Sevilla’s striking options have been depleted since Youssef En-Nesyri’s departure last summer. Kelechi Iheanacho, signed as his replacement, has since moved to Middlesbrough, leaving Isaac Romero as the only fit centre-forward at the club.
Adams was brought in from Montpellier during the January transfer window for €5.5 million but has played just nine minutes for Sevilla due to a myofascial injury to the rectus femoris muscle. He suffered the setback shortly after making his debut against Getafe in early February and has been sidelined for over a month.
Pimienta recently provided an update, revealing that Adams has resumed light training and started working with the ball. While Sevilla are eager to have him back, they do not want to rush his return, given their lack of attacking depth.
Super Eagles’ alternative options for Adams
Adams’ potential absence will certainly not leave Nigeria short on attacking options as the Super Eagles head coach Éric Sékou Chelle still has Victor Osimhen, Paul Onuachu, Victor Boniface, and Cyriel Dessers in the preliminary squad. Should Adams fail to recover in time, Chelle has plenty of firepower at his disposal.
Onigbinde urges Super Eagles coach Chelle to harness Nigeria’s talent for World Cup success
Previously, TheRadar reported that former national team coach Chief Adeboye Onigbinde has urged newly appointed Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle to effectively manage the country's vast talent pool as he takes on the challenge of leading the Super Eagles.
Despite this abundance of quality, Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign has been disappointing.
