Former South African playmaker Teko Modise has publicly urged Super Eagles striker Akor Adams to sharpen his efficiency in the final third following Nigeria’s 2-0 quarter-final triumph over Algeria. While analyzing the weekend’s high-stakes encounter in Marrakesh on SuperSport, the legendary midfielder highlighted a recurring lack of composure from the Sevilla forward during high-pressure scoring opportunities.
Modise noted that while Adams successfully doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 57th minute, he squandered multiple clear-cut chances earlier in the match that could have put the game out of reach much sooner.
The retired Bafana Bafana star expressed concern that such profligacy could prove costly as the Super Eagles prepare for a more formidable semi-final challenge against host nation Morocco. Modise acknowledged Adams’ exceptional work rate and his ability to find space behind the Algerian defense, yet he insisted that the striker must transform these positional gains into consistent goals. The pundit argued that the transition from a productive club career in La Liga to the international stage requires a higher level of clinical execution, especially in the knockout phases of a continental tournament.
“I think it is important because we were off the screen complaining yesterday. How many chances does he [Akor Adams] need [to score]? Adams works so hard, he gets the right opportunities. But then what maybe he might improve his performance from a club level perspective is being able to utilize the opportunities that he gets,” Modise stated during the broadcast.
Adams, who stepped in to lead the line alongside Victor Osimhen, has enjoyed a breakout campaign in Morocco, but his tendency to miss “glorious one-on-one chances” has become a focal point for analysts. Despite his individual struggles with efficiency on Saturday, his second-half strike ultimately validated head coach Éric Chelle’s decision to keep him in the starting lineup. The Super Eagles coaching staff now faces the task of refining the striker’s confidence before they face an Atlas Lions defense that has yet to concede a goal from open play in the tournament.
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