Adams: Super Eagles’ Ambition to Become Africa’s Best Starts With AFCON Qualifiers

Super Eagles striker Akor Adams has said Nigeria’s ambition of becoming the best national team in Africa must begin with a successful campaign in the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Adams made the statement during an interview with Pooja Media published on Thursday, ahead of the Super Eagles’ upcoming qualifying fixtures.

The forward described the qualification matches as an important starting point for the national team, stressing that the team’s performance during the qualifiers would help establish the foundation for its broader objectives.

According to Adams, Nigeria cannot achieve its ambition of dominating African football without first navigating the qualification process successfully.

“It’s very important because I think it sets the mark for what we want to do. If we want to be the best team in Africa, it starts from the qualification, like the coach has clearly said. And that is what we aim to achieve as well,” Adams said.

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle recently announced his squad for the AFCON qualifiers and a friendly match against Russia, with a number of players receiving their first invitations to the senior national team.

Adams welcomed the inclusion of the new players, saying healthy competition within the squad would provide additional strength and improve the overall performance of the team.

The striker noted that players who are performing well for their clubs deserve the opportunity to compete for places in the national team, adding that anything capable of making the Super Eagles stronger should be embraced.

“It’s always good to see that we have players who are also doing well, and who can get the chance to be in the team. Whatever makes us better, that’s the goal,” he said.

Adams added that Chelle had made it clear that any player who demonstrates that he deserves a place in the squad would be given an opportunity to contribute to the team.

“The coach makes it very clear that if any player that comes here clearly deserves it, and we’re happy to welcome them as well,” he added.

The striker, who has returned to the Super Eagles squad for the latest international window, also expressed his delight at reuniting with his teammates.

Adams described his return as a privilege and said the players were happy to be together again as preparations for the upcoming fixtures continue.

“It feels good, feels good. It’s also a privilege to be back with the group, and yeah, we’re happy to be back,” he said.

The forward also had a message for Nigerian football supporters, urging them to remain optimistic and continue giving the team their backing during the AFCON qualifying campaign.

Adams acknowledged the importance of the fans’ support and promised that the players would make every effort to deliver strong performances whenever they take to the pitch.

“Be optimistic, come out in good support and in good faith in the team, because we know you guys support us. And we’ll try to give our best on the pitch,” he said.

The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to securing qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with the team beginning a new phase under Chelle.

For Adams, the qualifying campaign represents more than simply securing a place at the continental tournament.

He sees it as the first step towards Nigeria’s stated ambition of establishing itself among Africa’s leading football nations.

The Super Eagles will therefore be expected to approach the qualifiers with a strong focus as the players and coaching staff work towards achieving their objectives and building a competitive squad for the challenges ahead.

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