Super Eagles forward Akor Adams has reflected on Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign after their penalty shootout victory over Egypt, which secured the bronze medal at the 2025 tournament.

Nigeria concluded the competition unbeaten, recording five wins and two draws from seven matches.

Speaking after the playoff encounter, Adams expressed pride in the team’s collective effort and achievements, despite falling short of their ultimate objective.

Asked to assess the team’s performance at the tournament, Adams said: “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.”

He also highlighted the unity within the squad and credited head coach Eric Chelle for his role during the competition. According to the forward, the experience has strengthened relationships among the players over the course of the tournament.

“We have a very strong group. We have everybody’s going home with a better friendship with the next person as a better person. And we are all grateful to Eric Chelle for what he has done for us as a group in the last 3 weeks and yeah we are better people because of him. He has given me the opportunity to represent my beloved Nigeria,” Adams stated.

On a personal level, the striker also addressed concerns surrounding his mother’s health during the tournament.

Responding to questions about balancing family matters with his first Afcon appearance, Adams explained the situation and expressed gratitude for the support received.

“Like every other tournament things would happen in between and family issues are not separate from that. I’m grateful it was not anything too big out of control. I am grateful also to the CAF medicals because they took care of her. She’s much better now and yeah I’m glad we got to experience this together,” he said.

Despite the victory over Egypt, Adams admitted mixed emotions after missing out on the title. “I’m not very happy but the most important thing is we came out with the win,” he added.

When asked how the team planned to celebrate the bronze medal, Adams was keen to stress its value. “No, don’t say it’s a bronze medal like it’s simple. No, some people came and went home with nothing,” he said.

Outlining immediate plans, he continued: “We just go back to the hotel now. First, try to eat and then we’ll see what happens. Everything for me is positive.”

Reflecting on winning his first Afcon medal, Adams concluded: “It’s my first. Like you said, there’s nothing to compare it to. So, it’s positive.”

Adams also commented on the widely recognised Afcon supporter Mitchel Kuka Mboladinga, addressing incidents involving fans during the tournament.

“I think you do not kick somebody when he’s down. So, not to name names, but I think he was passionate for his country. That’s the fan I’m talking about now. And when Congo lost, all that happened was not acceptable. It’s not acceptable in Africa,” he said.

Wale Adejumo