AFCON: He used to be in every single place – Oliseh on Super Eagles participant who inspired him

Introduction

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has provided a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills on the continental stage. Following Nigeria’s thrilling 2–1 victory over Tanzania, a significant narrative has emerged regarding the performance of Akor Adams. Former Super Eagles captain and renowned football analyst Sunday Oliseh has publicly lauded the Sevilla striker, highlighting his immense contribution to the team’s success. This article delves into Oliseh’s commentary, the specifics of the match, and the broader implications for the Nigerian national team, providing a comprehensive analysis of a player who is rapidly becoming a key figure in Super Eagles tactics.

Key Points

Background

To fully appreciate Sunday Oliseh’s praise for Akor Adams, it is essential to understand the context of the match and the stature of the observer. Sunday Oliseh is a legend of Nigerian football, known for his tactical intelligence, powerful midfield presence, and leadership as a former captain of the Super Eagles. His transition into football punditry has made him a respected voice in African football analysis. When Oliseh speaks, particularly regarding player performance in high-stakes tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations, the football community takes notice.

The AFCON 2025 Encounter

The specific match in question took place in Morocco, where the Super Eagles faced Tanzania. The 2025 edition of AFCON has been marked by intense competition and tactical evolution among African teams. For Nigeria, securing points in the group stages is paramount. The 2–1 scoreline indicates a hard-fought battle where individual brilliance often makes the difference.

Akor Adams: A Rising Star

Akor Adams is a striker whose career has been on an upward trajectory, culminating in his move to Sevilla in La Liga. His style is characterized by physicality, speed, and a relentless pursuit of goal-scoring opportunities. His inclusion in the Super Eagles squad for AFCON 2025 was met with anticipation, and his performance against Tanzania appears to have validated the coaching staff’s decision to rely on his services.

Analysis

Sunday Oliseh’s specific comment that Akor Adams “used to be in every single place” is a technical compliment that speaks volumes about the player’s tactical discipline and physical output. In modern football analysis, particularly in the high-intensity environment of AFCON, a striker who is “all over the pitch” is one who contributes to both offensive pressing and defensive transitions.

Decoding “All Over the Pitch”

When a legend like Oliseh uses this phrase, it refers to a player’s Total Addressed Volume (TAV) on the field. It implies that Adams was not static in the penalty box. Instead, he was likely:

• Pressing High: Forcing Tanzanian defenders into errors.
• Dropping Deep: Linking up with midfielders to create passing lanes.
• Tracking Back: Assisting in defensive duties to protect the Super Eagles’ lead.

This level of work rate is essential for modern forwards, as it disrupts the opponent’s build-up play and creates space for creative players like Ademola Lookman to exploit.

The Impact on Team Dynamics

Adams’ performance allowed the Super Eagles to maintain pressure. While Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman provided the finishing touch with their goals, the platform was set by the collective effort, spearheaded by Adams’ movement. His presence forced the Tanzanian defense to remain compact, creating gaps on the flanks that Nigeria utilized effectively. This performance suggests that Adams is evolving from a pure goal-poacher into a complete forward capable of influencing the game in multiple phases of play.

Practical Advice

For aspiring footballers and coaches analyzing the AFCON 2025 tournament, Akor Adams’ performance against Tanzania offers valuable lessons. Here is how players can apply these insights to their own game:

1. Mastering the Art of Movement

To be “all over the pitch” effectively, a player must have exceptional spatial awareness. Coaches should encourage forwards to practice dynamic movement—alternating between making runs behind the defense and dropping into midfield pockets. This unpredictability makes a striker difficult to mark and opens up passing options for teammates.

2. The Importance of Defensive Contribution

Modern football rewards forwards who defend from the front. Aspiring players should not view pressing as a burden but as a tool to regain possession high up the pitch. Akor Adams’ performance exemplifies how a striker’s tackle or interception in the opponent’s half can lead directly to goal-scoring chances.

3. Stamina and Conditioning

Maintaining high intensity throughout a 90-minute AFCON match requires elite physical conditioning. To emulate Adams’ performance, players must focus on aerobic capacity and interval training. This ensures that a player remains effective in the final minutes of a game, which is often when matches are decided.

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Conclusion

Sunday Oliseh’s analysis of Akor Adams serves as a testament to the evolving nature of African football and the specific talents emerging within the Super Eagles. Adams’ performance against Tanzania was not just about the result, but about the manner of the victory—characterized by grit, movement, and tactical intelligence. As AFCON 2025 progresses, the “all over the pitch” style of play that Oliseh admired will likely be the blueprint for Nigeria’s success. For fans and analysts alike, watching Akor Adams’ development is becoming a key subplot in the Super Eagles’ quest for continental glory.