Ex-Monaco star Victor Ikpeba names Nigeria’s surprise star at AFCON 2025

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been largely unstoppable in Morocco thanks to an exciting attack that has delivered much of the competition-high 14 goals in five games

Former Nigeria international Victor Ikpeba has singled out Akor Adams as one of the biggest and most unexpected success stories of the Super Eagles’ Africa Cup of Nations campaign, praising the Sevilla forward for the impact he has made in Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports.

Adams arrived at AFCON 2025 with little fanfare. His club form had been inconsistent, and few expected him to become such a central figure in Eric Chelle’s plans.

Yet the Nigeria head coach has shown unwavering trust in the 25-year-old, pairing him with Victor Osimhen in a 4-4-2 diamond system that has given the Super Eagles both power and movement in attack.

So far, that decision has been richly rewarded. Adams has contributed two goals and two assists in five matches, including the decisive strike in the 2-0 quarter-final victory over Algeria. He has now been involved in four goals at the tournament, a tally bettered only by Ademola Lookman with seven, Victor Osimhen with six, and Brahim Diaz and Mohamed Salah with five each.

The Sevilla forward's performances have not gone unnoticed. Adams has been named in WhoScored’s Team of the Tournament so far, alongside Osimhen, Lookman and Wilfred Ndidi. That's a remarkable achievement for a player many did not expect to start the competition as a guaranteed starter.

For former Monaco striker Ikpeba, Adams’ emergence has been one of the defining stories of Nigeria’s run to the last four.

Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!

Ikpeba hails Super Eagles star Adams

1997 CAF Africa Footballer of the Year Ikpeba has been impressed with Adams' displays, insisting that the younger forward’s contribution goes far beyond statistics.

“I personally have been really impressed with Akor Adams, just his movement and how unselfish he is,” Ikpeba told Bet9ja. “He’s shown that he is the future.

“Lots of credit to the manager. He had the faith in him and saw the potential. We already knew he had those qualities playing for Sevilla, so we’re very proud.

“He’s a big lad, it’s not easy to play against him. He’s quick with the ball and he can strike it really well. He looks like he’s been playing for the Super Eagles for years.

“He needs to remain focused and not get carried away.”

Up next for Adams and Nigeria is a heavyweight semi-final clash with hosts Morocco in Rabat on Wednesday. The winner will face either Senegal or Egypt, who meet in the second semi-final. Nigeria are chasing a first AFCON title since 2013.