Akor Adams hands Jose Peseiro major headache ahead of AFCON 2023

Akor Adams hands Jose Peseiro major headache ahead of AFCON 2023
Credit: Icon Sport

Montpellier and Nigerian striker Akor Adams continues to deliver the goods for his side in the French Ligue 1.

The forward scored twice in his side's 3-0 win over Toulouse on Sunday to continue his scoring run since moving to the French city of Montpellier. 

Most goals after Mbappe: Akor Adams making strong case for AFCON berth
Credit: Icon Sport

Adams only joined Montpellier from Norwegian side Lillestrøm in the summer. The French side reportedly paid €4.50 million for Adams, who only signed for Lillestrøm on a free transfer in January 2022 after leaving Sogndal.

The 23-year-old is the top-scoring Nigerian forward in the French top division with seven goals now after his latest brace.

Akor Adams at the double on Sunday

Adams inspired Montpellier to climb into the top half of Ligue 1 courtesy of his brace in a 3-0 victory over rivals Toulouse at Stade de la Mosson.

Montpellier, who lost both matches in the league to the Violets last term, made good use of their advantage to move up the ladder on Sunday afternoon.

A strong start to the season has gone south in recent weeks for Montpellier, whose recent point deduction was made even worse by a 2-0 defeat at Nantes last timeout. 

Despite that setback, the hosts started brightly on Sunday as they sought to get back on track in front of their fans. 

After some moments of dominance by the visitors where they missed a big chance to go in front, Adams opened the scoring at the other end with a moment of magic. 

The striker showed impeccable class with his first touch as it completely fooled the away side’s defence and allowed him to pick his spot to place his volley beyond Guillaume Restes.

That goal was the difference at the break and upon the restart, the home side made it 2-0 before the hour mark through Khalil Fayad who was set up by Boubakar Kouyaté.

Adams, who opened the scoring on Sunday, had the pleasure of closing it as he completed his brace. The 23-year-old breezed past his markers again to get in behind, and he showed extreme calmness to drill his effort through Restes to make it 3-0. 

The win took Montpellier to two places better than their opponents with a game in hand, while Toulouse are now winless in three league outings and just two points clear of the drop zone.

Akor Adams hitting form at the right time – Selection headache for Jose Peseiro?

Akor Adams, who has been talking about making it to the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, is backing those words with action. 

The 23-year-old recently revealed his desire to be a part of the Super Eagles squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria are one of the favourites for the continent’s foremost competition and the Kogi-born attacker is keen to be there and even make an impact. 

“The target is simple – score more goals with my club before the end of the year that it will be impossible for the Super Eagles to continue to overlook me going into the AFCON,” Adams said.

Adams, with his well-taken goals on Sunday, took his season tally to seven goals in nine Ligue 1 appearances. 

Compared with other Super Eagles strikers at the weekend, Osimhen is currently injured, Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi fired blanks against Liverpool, Terem Moffi was not on target for Nice and Victor Boniface also failed to score for Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday.

Still uncapped, Adams is showing some intent to get into Peseiro’s plans ahead of the AFCON as he finished October with a bang.

This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago

All-round lover of the beautiful game. Massive football fan, supported Arsenal for decades for reasons that are unexplainable. One day we will win the Champions League!