“He has more strength than Boniface” – Abdallah backs 57-goal striker for Super Eagles call-up

Former Heartland coach Hassan Abdallah has called for Montpellier striker Akor Adams to be considered for a Super Eagles call-up, Soccernet.ng reports. 

In Abdallah's opinion, Adams' strength and recent performances in Ligue 1 make him a valuable asset for Nigeria’s national team.

Adams' professional career kicked off in August 2018 when he moved from Nigeria’s Jamba Football Academy to Norwegian side Sogndal.

Though injury hindered his progress during the 2020 season, he rebounded strongly, scoring 10 goals in 28 matches for Sogndal by the end of 2021.

His impressive form earned him a three-year contract with Lillestrøm in December 2021, where he made a notable impact, including goals in both the Norwegian Cup and his Eliteserien debut.

In 2023, Adams made the leap to Montpellier in Ligue 1. His debut season saw him score 10 goals in 33 appearances, and this season he has already tallied three goals and two assists in just six matches.

Despite these performances, Adams is still awaiting his first cap for Nigeria’s senior team, though he did feature in the 2019 FIFA U20 World Cup.

Abdallah is convinced there is a need for a physically dominant forward like Adams in the Super Eagles setup.

“I scouted Victor Boniface and Akor Adams. Boniface is good because of his height, ball-holding ability, and dribbling, which is why I converted him into a point man,” Abdallah told Brila FM.

“Akor, on the other hand, has more strength than Boniface. He can bully defenders, but his intelligence is 50-50.

“When Akor is played between central defenders, they don’t move forward; they have to wait. I’ve expected them to invite him to the national team because he has been doing well.”

However, with Nigeria’s national team boasting top forwards like Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Kelechi Iheanacho, a Super Eagles debut for Adams may not be imminent.

Nonetheless, Abdallah believes Adams' strength and physical presence could offer Nigeria a different dimension in attack.

“He has the power, and we need someone like that,” Abdallah concluded.

Across his professional career in Europe, Adams has registered 57 goals and 18 assists in 145 matches.