Spain: Nigeria’s second all-time top scorer in Bundesliga history backs Akor Adams to shine in Sevilla

Former Nigeria international Victor Agali believes Akor Adams is ready to leave behind his struggles in France and thrive at Sevilla, his new home in Spain, Soccernet.ng reports.

Akor Adams is on the brink of being unveiled as Sevilla’s latest winter signing after arriving at the La Liga club from Montpellier over the weekend.

Nigeria forward Akor Adams — January 25, 2025, Sevilla, Sevilla, SPAIN: Akor Adams, new player of Sevilla FC, is seen during the Spanish league, LaLiga EA Sports, football match played between Sevilla FC and RCD Espanyol de Barcelona at Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium on January 25, 2025, in Sevilla, Spain. Photo by IMAGO

The 24-year-old joined Montpellier from Lillestrøm in the summer of 2023 but has endured a challenging season in Ligue 1.

With just three goals and three assists in 15 appearances this term, Akor Adams has found himself on the fringes of a team battling relegation.

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Sevilla, also struggling for goals in La Liga, have swooped in to offer Adams a fresh start.

Confident in his abilities, the Spanish club is reportedly ready to invest heavily in the Nigerian striker, banking on the form that saw him net an impressive 28 goals and deliver seven assists in 50 matches for Lillestrøm.

What has Victor Agali said about Akor Adams?

Victor Agali, Nigeria’s second-highest scorer in Bundesliga history with 32 goals, has backed Akor Adams to succeed in Spain.

Former Super Eagles forward Victor Agali. Photo by IMAGO

Drawing from his own experience of playing in the French league, where he scored just six goals in 35 appearances for Marseille and Nice, Agali highlighted the physicality of Ligue 1 as a potential factor in Adams’ struggles.

“I will be delighted if he (Akor) joins Sevilla, honestly. It is a transfer he needed to relaunch his career and find the level and expectations he had initially envisaged,” Agali told Africa Foot.
“His time in France can’t be considered a failure. He wasn’t a disappointment at Montpellier, far from it. But it’s not what everyone expected when he signed. He’s an undeniably immense talent, with high expectations.
“Ligue 1 is a fairly physical league, but football there is not as fluid as in Spain, Germany, or England. A change of club also means a change in the style of play, which is crucial for any football player.
“I am convinced that this transfer will be beneficial for him on all levels, especially to regain his confidence. He needs confidence to start enjoying his football again and scoring goals. For me, there is no doubt; it is the right choice for the player.”

Former Super Eagles striker Victor Agali — Reservist Victor Agali (Rostock) 2007/2008, FC Hansa Rostock Dortmund. Photo by IMAGO

Agali, who had an illustrious career in France, Germany, Turkey, Greece, and China, is no stranger to adapting to new environments.

He won the UEFA Intertoto Cup with Schalke 04 in 2003 and scored five goals in 12 appearances for Nigeria, helping the Super Eagles secure a bronze medal at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria's Akor Adams — Akor ADAMS 8 – Montpellier before the Ligue 1 match between Havre AC and Montpellier HSC at Stade Oceane on November 03, 2024 in Le Havre, France. Photo by IMAGO

Akor Adams now has the opportunity to follow in Victor Agali’s footsteps and make a mark in one of Europe’s most technical leagues.

Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele

Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.

From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.