Nigeria players during penalties, Alex Iwobi of Nigeria reacts during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON 3rd place playoff match between Egypt and Nigeria at the Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco on 17 January 2026 ©Nour Aknajja/BackpagePix
Friday Apr 24, 2026. 11:00
Nigeria international Akor Adams has called for an urgent reset in Nigerian football after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging stakeholders to move from regret to immediate responsibility and action.
The 26-year-old Sevilla striker stressed that preparation for the 2030 World Cup must start now on and off the pitch, warning that another absence would severely damage Nigeria’s football identity and legacy.
Adams emphasized shared accountability among players, coaches, and the NFF, while viewing the upcoming Unity Cup in London as a key opportunity to rebuild confidence and chart a new direction.
“We are motivated to make sure we don’t disappoint ourselves and Nigerians again. Another miss would take a very big toll on Nigerian football. The preparation starts now—it starts every day leading up to 2030,” Adams said on Punchng.
Adams made his Super Eagles debut in October 2025 (scoring on debut), and has since earned 13 caps with 5 goals (seven caps/two goals in 2025 and six caps/three goals in 2026), playing a key role at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco while remaining unbeaten in matches where he has scored.
The Super Eagles upcoming games (as of late April 2026) start with the Unity Cup in London: a semi-final against Zimbabwe on May 26, followed by a potential final on May 30, then international friendlies against Poland on June 3 and Portugal on June 10.