‘They Gave Up Their Holidays’: Almeyda Salutes Akor Adams After Elche Draw
Sevilla coach Matías Almeyda has lauded striker Akor Adams for his dedication and immediate impact following the Nigerian forward’s match-winning performance against Elche on his return from the Africa Cup of Nations.
Adams, who came off the bench to score twice in a 2–2 draw at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium, was singled out by the Argentine manager for forgoing time with his family to rejoin the squad immediately after Nigeria’s third-place finish at the continental tournament in Morocco.
“I appreciate the commitment of Akor and Ejuke, who were here without seeing their families,” Almeyda said in his post-match remarks, also acknowledging the sacrifice made by teammate Chidera Ejuke, who similarly returned from international duty without a break.
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The draw marked a crucial psychological turning point for Sevilla, who had been struggling for form and goals in recent weeks. Almeyda described the result as particularly valuable given the context of the team’s difficulties leading into the fixture.
“I believe this draw is very valuable, for many reasons. We had come from a run of matches without wins and without scoring. We were behind in the game, and the energy and commitment shown make this point very important,” the 51-year-old coach explained.
Sevilla had been enduring a lean spell in front of goal, with the attacking drought raising concerns among supporters of the Andalusian club. The return of Adams and Ejuke from AFCON duty appeared to inject fresh impetus into a side that had been labouring to find the back of the net.
Almeyda reflected on the broader significance of having players return from international competition, emphasising the mental and physical toll such commitments entail, particularly when players choose to prioritise club responsibilities over personal rest.
“Last match we also had many chances, but sometimes things just don’t go our way. Staying calm will help us maintain the good and improve what isn’t working. The players returning from the cup are reinforcements for us. I have to thank them for their commitment—they didn’t see their families and came here. I place enormous importance on them giving up their holidays to be here, helping us all,” Almeyda added.
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The coach also touched on the development of younger players within the squad, offering words of encouragement for those breaking through into the first team. Speaking about Miguel Sierra, Almeyda said, “Those who are leaving are young players making their way, and I will keep them in mind as long as they show their worth. It makes me happy for them and for the club, and that is something we have to support.”
Adams was introduced at the start of the second half with Sevilla trailing, and the Nigerian immediately altered the dynamics of the match. He pulled Sevilla level with a goal from open play before stepping up to convert a stoppage-time penalty that salvaged a point for the hosts.
The 25-year-old forward had been a regular feature for Nigeria throughout the 2025 AFCON campaign, appearing in all seven of the Super Eagles’ matches in Morocco. He contributed two goals and two assists as Nigeria secured the bronze medal following a third-place playoff victory, continuing the team’s tradition of strong finishes at continental tournaments despite falling short of the final.
Adams’ performances in Morocco underscored his growing importance to both club and country. Since joining Sevilla, the former Lillestrøm striker has worked to establish himself in one of Europe’s historically significant football environments, and his commitment to returning immediately to club duty has clearly resonated with his manager.
Ejuke, who also featured for Nigeria at the tournament, similarly bypassed the opportunity for rest to rejoin Sevilla’s squad, a decision Almeyda publicly acknowledged as emblematic of the professionalism he expects from his players.