Akor Adams‘ proposed move from Sevilla to Venezia in the Serie A sent a shockwave across the landscape back home, but while many have criticized the move, former Super Eagles and Montpellier forward John Utaka has thrown his weight behind the player.
Adams has reportedly agreed a deal that will see him leave Seville and join newly promoted Verona for the new season on a multiple year deal.
While details of the deal are still sketchy, but it has been widely reported that Venezia met the €16 million valuation for the 26 year-old.
Adams lite Up Seville
His contract at Sevilla runs until June 2029 and after a decent campaign last term where he scored 10 goals in 36 league appearances, a move to a small market team was least expected.
Adams was the team’s top scorer and helped steered the relegation-threatened team to safety.
However, speaking on the player’s career trajectory, Utaka who worked with Adams back in the young forward’s time at Montpellier, expressed delight at his trajectory.
“He has been doing tremendously well, everybody is seeing what he is capable of,” Utaka told Brila.net. “I am very happy for him.”
“He is showing that he has character and can play at any level. I am really happy for him. He just needs to continue on the track.
World Cup Redemption
At International level, Adams has also shown that he is a dependable understudy to Victor Osimhen.
His goal to game ratio is impressive and 6 goals in 15 caps for Nigeria has almost certainly solidified his place as a starter in Eric Chelle‘s side.
Yet, Adams and the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a playoff final heartbreak against DR Congo.
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His debut for the Super Eagles came in the WCQ against Lesotho and he quickly announced himself, scoring a goal to steer the team to a 2-1 win.
Akor would go on to play three more matches in the qualifiers including Seventy-four minutes against DR Congo.
John Utaka believes the forward will return better and could lead Nigeria’s return to the global stage come 2030 when Spain, Portugal and Morocco host the world cup.
“The world cup is not far off, so hopefully, we will see him at the biggest stage,” Utaka concluded.
