Super Eagles forward Akor Adams has praised the spirit and unity within the Nigerian team following their impressive outing at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, which ended with a bronze medal finish.
Nigeria recorded five wins during the tournament before losing to hosts Morocco on penalties in the semi-finals. Adams said the team’s performance reflected the quality and strength of the squad.
“We’re the best. We’re the best team. We came for the gold, and we did not take it, but we are proud of what we have been able to achieve. We are a very strong group,” he said.
Speaking in a post-match interview on Saturday after Nigeria defeated Egypt 4–2 on penalties in the third-place match, Adams said the tournament helped build stronger bonds among the players.
“Everybody is going home with a better friendship with the next person, as a better person,” he said.
The striker also praised head coach Eric Chelle, crediting him with instilling discipline and unity within the team in a short period.
“We are all grateful to Eric Chelle for what he has done for us as a group in the last three weeks. We are better people because of him,” Adams said.
“He has given me the opportunity to represent my beloved Nigeria.”
The tournament was also emotionally challenging for Adams, whose mother fell ill during the competition. He described the period as demanding but expressed gratitude for the support she received.
“Like every other tournament, things will happen in between, and family issues are not separate from that,” he said.
“I’m grateful it was not anything too big or out of control. I’m also grateful to the CAF medical team because they took care of her. She’s much better now, and I’m glad we got to experience this together.”
Despite the team’s success, Adams admitted the bronze medal came with mixed emotions.
“I’m not very happy, but the most important thing is we came out with a win,” he said, adding that celebrations would be low-key.
“Some people came and went home with nothing. We’ll just go back to the hotel first, try to eat, and then we’ll see what happens.”
For the Sevilla forward, the tournament marked his first major international appearance with the Super Eagles, an experience he described as overwhelmingly positive.
“Everything for me is positive. It’s my first. There’s nothing to compare it to, so it’s positive,” he said.
He also addressed issues surrounding fan behaviour during the tournament, calling for respect and sportsmanship across African football.
“I think you do not kick somebody when he’s down,” Adams said. “He was passionate for his country, but when Congo lost, all that happened was not acceptable. It’s not acceptable in Africa.”
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