Sevilla vs Barcelona: Nigeria’s Akor Adams misses chance to improve big-game record

Sevilla have suffered a major setback ahead of their La Liga showdown against Barcelona, with Nigerian striker Akor Adams ruled out due to injury, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 25-year-old, who recently joined the Spanish club from Montpellier in a €5.5m deal, sustained a tendon injury in his right thigh during Thursday’s training session at Ciudad Deportiva. Belgian midfielder Sambi Lokonga also suffered a muscle injury in the same session.

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A club statement confirmed the injuries, stating:

“Sevilla FC can confirm that both Akor Adams and Sambi Lokonga picked up injuries during training. The Nigerian forward has suffered a tendon injury in his thigh muscle, while the Belgian midfielder has a hamstring issue.”

While the full extent of Adams’ injury remains unclear, early reports suggest he could be out for an extended period, with estimates ranging between four to 12 months.

If confirmed, this would all but rule him out for the rest of the season, a huge blow for both Sevilla and the player himself.

Sevilla now have three Nigerian players on their books

• Kelechi Iheanacho
• Chidera Ejuke
• Akor Adams pic.twitter.com/jl34Th24FN

— 49th. (@the49thstreet) January 27, 2025

The injury comes at a difficult time for Adams, who had just made his Sevilla debut in a goalless draw against Getafe. Having signed a contract until 2029, the forward was eager to make an impact in La Liga and establish himself as a key figure in the team’s attack.

Speaking upon his arrival in Spain, Adams had expressed his excitement about the challenge ahead:

“The most important thing is that I am fit and mentally ready. I have had a very warm welcome and will try to adapt as quickly as possible, getting better with each game.”

Akor Adams on Instagram:

“I have a dream. I was once just like the kids in the communities where I grew up and I’ve been blessed to become a public figure. I want to give back in a meaningful way. I’m reaching out to help children in orphanages in Nigeria.”

Classy touch pic.twitter.com/QiCiUkEZXp

— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) February 4, 2025

Adams would have also desired to impress against Barcelona and end his poor scoring run when facing big teams.

In the colours of Montpellier, Adams, failed to find the net against PSG, AS Monaco, OGC Nice and Olympique Marseille. The former Flying Eagles forward, however, scored twice each against Nantes, AJ Auxerre and FC Lorient.

On his debut for Sevilla, Adams featured for only nine minutes in a goalless draw with Getafe at the Estadio Coliseum.

Sevilla, currently on a four-match unbeaten streak in La Liga, will face a tough test against Barcelona at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán. Hansi Flick's side, unbeaten in their last 10 matches across all competitions, have scored 37 goals during this run and will look to extend their dominance.

Sevilla, meanwhile, sit four points off the European qualification spots and will need to overcome Adams’ absence as they push for a strong finish to the season.