Venezia: Akor Adams struggling in his Serie A debut

After breaking out with Sevilla FC and making a strong impression at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the Nigerian forward has struggled to rediscover his scoring touch since moving to Italy. His slow start to the season with Venezia could also complicate his situation with the Super Eagles.

Akor Adams is already going through a difficult period at Venezia. Having joined the Italian club this summer from Sevilla FC, the Nigerian striker was expected to bring power and goals to the newly promoted side. But after three Serie A matchdays, the situation is concerning: Venezia have lost all three of their games, while Adams is still waiting for his first league goal. The Venetian side were beaten by Lecce (2-0), AC Milan (2-0) and Frosinone (3-2).

The contrast with what Adams showed in Spain is striking. Having joined Sevilla FC in January 2025, the Nigerian gradually established himself as a genuine attacking threat. The Andalusian club had highlighted his rise during the 2025-26 season, when he had already recorded seven goals and four assists at one stage of the campaign. Overall, Sevilla state that Adams left the club with 10 goals and four assists in 37 appearances.

A Coppa Italia performance that offers hope

Things are not entirely bleak for the 26-year-old. On his official debut for Venezia, Adams made an immediate impact in the Coppa Italia against Modena. The striker scored twice and provided an assist in a 3-2 victory.

However, that performance has not translated into Serie A. Adams failed to score against Lecce and AC Milan before being unable to change the course of the game against Frosinone. After three league appearances, his Serie A tally therefore remains at zero goals and zero assists.

For a player coming off a convincing season and an impressive AFCON campaign, the contrast is inevitably striking. In Morocco, during his first appearance at the tournament, Adams scored twice and provided two assists for Nigeria. CAF had even identified the Osimhen-Lookman-Adams trio as one of the driving forces behind the Super Eagles' attack.

Competition is intensifying in Nigeria

That is precisely why his poor start at Venezia could become a concern. With Éric Chelle in charge of the Super Eagles, Adams now faces particularly strong competition for a place in Nigeria's attack.

Tolu Arokodare, in particular, has just sent out a strong signal. The Ajax striker scored in Saturday's 3-1 defeat to PSV, having already found the net several times since the start of the season.

Paul Onuachu also remains in contention, while Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and several other attacking options represent further competition.

Adams is therefore not doomed to lose his place in the Nigerian squad. But the credit he earned from his AFCON 2025 campaign cannot be taken for granted. At Venezia, he now needs to rediscover his scoring touch and quickly. While he searches for his rhythm in Italy, his rivals are continuing to find the net.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.