Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba has expressed profound admiration for Akor Adams’ breakthrough performances during the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Bet9ja, the “Prince of Monaco” emphasized that the Sevilla forward has introduced a refreshing and unselfish dynamic to Nigeria’s frontline.
With the Super Eagles maintaining a flawless record through five matches, Ikpeba noted that Adams’ statistical contribution—consisting of two goals and two assists—underlines his growing influence within the national team setup.
The 1994 AFCON winner praised the tactical foresight of head coach Éric Chelle for integrating the 25-year-old into the starting lineup alongside seasoned stars. Ikpeba highlighted Adams’ physical profile and intelligence, describing him as a persistent nightmare for opposing defenders who struggle to contain his blend of power and pace. The legendary striker believes that the striker’s ability to facilitate play for others, rather than just seeking individual glory, makes him a vital asset as Nigeria chases its fourth continental title.
“I personally have been really impressed with Akor Adams, just his movement and how unselfish he is,” Ikpeba told Bet9ja. “He’s shown that he is the future. Lots of credit to the manager. He had the faith in him and saw the potential. He’s a big lad, it’s not easy to play against him. He’s quick with the ball and he can strike it really well.”
Adams’ impressive form reached a peak during the quarter-final victory over Algeria in Marrakesh, where he scored the second goal to kill off the contest. His partnership with reigning African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen has provided the Super Eagles with a dual-threat strike force that few teams have managed to neutralize. Ikpeba’s public endorsement serves as a major vote of confidence for the young forward, who only recently completed a high-profile move to La Liga from the French top flight.
As the squad prepares for tomorrow’s pivotal semi-final against host nation Morocco in Rabat, Adams remains a central figure in Nigeria’s offensive strategy. Fans and analysts alike are beginning to echo Ikpeba’s sentiment, viewing the striker as a long-term successor in the lineage of great Nigerian forwards. If Adams maintains his current trajectory, his contributions in Morocco could solidify his position as a cornerstone of the Super Eagles’ rebuilding process for the 2030 World Cup cycle.
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