Sports
La Liga: Akor Adams surpasses Rashidi Yekini as Sevilla climb away from trouble
Adams Akor broke new ground in Nigerian football history on Saturday night as his penalty helped Sevilla to a 2-1 comeback win over Athletic Club and secured the club’s first La Liga victory of 2026, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles striker struck in the second half at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán to take his personal tally in Spain’s top flight to six goals, a figure that now places him 11th on the list of Nigeria’s all-time La Liga scorers.
It was Adams’ third goal in two matches since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, where he helped Nigeria claim the bronze medal, and another reminder of his growing importance to Matías Almeyda’s side...TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.
More significantly, the goal carried historical weight. With six La Liga strikes, Adams has now moved ahead of legendary Super Eagles forward Rashidi Yekini, who scored three times in the competition, and has also overtaken the marks set by Bartholomew Ogbeche (three) and Christantus Uche (five).
While Adams still has a long way to go to threaten the towering figures of Christopher Ohenhen (48 goals), Finidi George (43) and Ikechukwu Uche (43), his steady progress is a pointer to how quickly he is carving out his own place in Nigerian football’s European story.
Comeback win lifts Akor Adams’ Sevilla up the table
The match itself was a tight, nervy affair between two sides separated by little in the table.
Athletic Club struck first in the 40th minute through Robert Navarro, but Sevilla hit back almost immediately when Gerard Fernández levelled the score just two minutes later to send both teams into the break on equal terms.
Ten minutes after the restart came the decisive moment. Yuri Berchiche was penalised for a handball in the box, and after a VAR check confirmed the offence, Adams stepped up and calmly rolled the penalty into the bottom-left corner to complete the turnaround.
Athletic Club pushed hard for an equaliser, but Sevilla held their shape and saw out the contest, condemning the visitors to their seventh away defeat in 11 league matches this season.
The victory lifts Sevilla above Athletic into 11th place. Both sides are now on 24 points after 21 games, but Sevilla’s superior goal difference gives them the edge and, crucially, leaves them five points clear of the relegation zone.
For Adams, it also marks his most productive La Liga campaign so far, matching the momentum he showed during the 2023-24 season at Montpellier, when he scored eight league goals.
Sevilla now travel to face Mallorca on Monday, February 2, while Athletic Club turn their attention to Europe, hosting Sporting CP in the Champions League.
👉 Are You A WhatsApp User? Do You Want To Get Our News As Fast As Possible On Daily Basis? 👉 Click This Link To Join WhatsApp Channel Now.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has insisted that Iran “will be participating” in the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, dismissing calls for Italy to replace them. Iran is currently embroiled in a war with the USA and Israel, raising doubts about their participation. Infantino said, “The reason is simple, because we have to unite. We have to bring people together.” Iran’s group matches are scheduled to be played in the United States.
Key Points:
Iran was the only country not represented at Thursday’s FIFA congress in Vancouver.
Trump’s special envoy had pushed for Italy to replace Iran, claiming a “more than 50 per cent chance.”
Italian football officials have insisted they would not want to be added to the tournament this way.
Iran will face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, then Egypt in Seattle.
The World Cup kicks off on June 11, 2026...TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.
Infantino’s statement rules out the possibility of an Italy recall.
Sources: Complete Sports
👉 Are You A WhatsApp User? Do You Want To Get Our News As Fast As Possible On Daily Basis? 👉 Click This Link To Join WhatsApp Channel Now.
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has reaffirmed his commitment to Galatasaray amid growing transfer speculation linking him to Barcelona and Arsenal. The 27-year-old said, “I think I’ve found a home here where I am comfortable.” Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli two years ago before completing a permanent €75 million transfer last summer. He has recorded 57 goals and 15 assists in 72 appearances for the Turkish giants.
Key Points:
Osimhen is the highest earner in Turkey with a package of around €21 million net.
He praised the club’s atmosphere, calling it “family, love, unity, and utmost respect.”
He said hundreds of fans crowded the airport to welcome him upon arrival.
The club organised an elaborate tifo to honour him and his late mother.
Any formal bid would need to be in the nine-figure range...TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.
Osimhen’s comments suggest he is settled in Istanbul and not looking for a move.
Sources: Soccernet, Complete Sports
👉 Are You A WhatsApp User? Do You Want To Get Our News As Fast As Possible On Daily Basis? 👉 Click This Link To Join WhatsApp Channel Now.
Former Super Eagles midfielder Sunday Oliseh has praised the late Nigerian football legend Stephen Keshi as the nation’s “first genuine superstar.” Speaking on the Global Football Insights podcast, Oliseh said:
“We never questioned his quality as a player because you could see how he performed. This man was the first superstar of Nigerian football.” He highlighted Keshi’s leadership, professionalism, and impact both on and off the field.
Key Points:..TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.
Keshi became the first Nigerian to play in a major UEFA club competition final.
He was a member of the victorious 1994 Super Eagles AFCON-winning team.
Oliseh noted Keshi would fly from Belgium to play at AFCON and return to his club.
He described Keshi as disciplined and a winner who “led by example.”
Keshi’s playing career included stints in Belgium, France, and the Ivory Coast.
Oliseh emphasised that Keshi’s performances were self-evident and propelled him to legendary status.
Sources: Complete Sports
👉 Are You A WhatsApp User? Do You Want To Get Our News As Fast As Possible On Daily Basis? 👉 Click This Link To Join WhatsApp Channel Now.
Breaking News8 months agoWorld’s Youngest Undergraduate is Nigerian JOSHUA BECKFORD, gained admission in Oxford University at the age of Six years
Breaking News6 months agoJUST IN: Finally United States President Donald Trump Revokes 80,000 Visas of Nigerians, Other Foreign Nationals
Breaking News8 months agoBREAKING NEWS: Woman in Trouble For Burning 7-year-old Girl’s Private Parts With Hot Knife
Breaking News8 months agoBREAKING NEWS: FULL DETAILS! Top Secret Leaked Why SIM Fubara Fails to Return to Government House After Reinstatement
Breaking News6 months agoBREAKING NEWS: Nigerian Billionaire Lawmaker Ned Nwoko, Orders Arrest of His Mother In Law Regina Daniels’ Mother, Rita
Breaking News8 months agoBREAKING NEWS: Federal Government Releases Proof of N25,000 Cash Transfers to 71 Million Nigerians in 8.1 Million Households
Breaking News8 months agoBREAKING NEWS: Another Rivers Saga: Just Reinstated Fubara Told to Sack All Sole Administrators Appointees, Seek Tinubu’s Assurance Over Impeachment
Breaking News8 months agoBREAKING NEWS: Finally Department of State Services (DSS) summons Sowore over post on Tinubu