Akor Adams Urges Super Eagles to Respond Against Russia

Super Eagles striker Akor Adams has called on Nigeria to put its 3–0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau behind it and deliver a stronger performance against Russia in Tuesday’s international friendly.

Nigeria will face Russia at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on October 6, with the match offering Éric Chelle’s side a chance to rebuild confidence after a difficult start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Adams Accepts Responsibility

Nigeria began its AFCON qualifying campaign with a 2–1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo before losing 3–0 away to Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

Franculino Djú, Mama Baldé and Álvaro Djaló scored for Guinea-Bissau, leaving the Super Eagles with three points from their opening two Group L matches.

Adams admitted that the defeat fell below Nigeria’s standards and said the players had accepted responsibility.

“It’s not a game we should lose, and we have to take responsibility for that. We have taken responsibility for it. It’s a game we prepared very well for. We knew how important it was to us in the qualification phase,” he said.

The forward added that the squad had begun reviewing the game and correcting the problems exposed in Bissau.

“Looking back, we are already making corrections to what happened in the game.”

‘We Have Set the Standards High’

Adams said the Guinea-Bissau result must not define Nigeria’s next performances.

“We have already set the standards very high. So, living up to that standard is what we wake up to do every day as the Super Eagles.”

He said players called up to represent Nigeria understand the expectation attached to the national team and must show that mentality against Russia.

The friendly will give Chelle another opportunity to assess his options, especially after the disappointing qualifying result and a series of player withdrawals.

Pitch Not an Excuse

Adams acknowledged concerns about the playing conditions in Guinea-Bissau but said Nigeria could not use the pitch as an excuse.

He argued that improved facilities should be a priority for African football, but insisted that professional footballers must adapt to difficult circumstances, including weather, refereeing decisions and poor playing surfaces.

“We are professionals, and we should know that there are a lot of things that come with the game.”

His message was that the Super Eagles should have found a way to deliver a better result regardless of the conditions.

Squad Depleted by Withdrawals

Nigeria’s preparations for Russia have been affected by injuries and club-related restrictions.

Captain Wilfred Ndidi is unavailable after suffering a knock in the Guinea-Bissau game, while defender Victory Akpe was also ruled out through injury. Bright Osayi-Samuel, Raphael Onyedika and Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola were prevented from travelling by their clubs.punchng+2

Despite the absences, the camp includes experienced figures such as Stanley Nwabali, Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho and Akor Adams, as well as less-established players looking to make an impression.

Russia Provides Fresh Test

Nigeria and Russia last met in a June 2025 friendly in Moscow, which ended 1–1.

Russia went ahead through a Semi Ajayi own goal before Tolu Arokodare equalised for Nigeria in the second half.

Match Details

Bottom Line

Akor Adams says Nigeria must accept the Guinea-Bissau setback, make the necessary corrections and return to the standards expected of the Super Eagles.

Although Tuesday’s game against Russia is a friendly, it represents an important chance for Chelle’s depleted squad to respond positively, test new options and show supporters that the Bissau defeat was a setback rather than a true reflection of the team’s ability.

Source: Gistreel