BY KUNLE SOLAJA

Nigeria’s striking options received a fresh boost on Friday as Sevilla forward Akor Jerome Adams marked his senior international debut with a goal, becoming the 61st player to score on his first appearance for Nigeria national team since the country’s debut on 8 October 1949.

Adams, who replaced Tolu Arokodare in the 63rd minute of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, made an instant impact when he found the net in the 80th minute, calmly slotting home after connecting with a precise pass from Victor Osimhen.

The goal capped a memorable night for the 24-year-old La Liga player, who has steadily risen through the football ranks from Nigeria’s grassroots to Europe’s top flight.

Akor Adams was part of Nigeria’s Flying Eagles squad at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland, showcasing the promise that has now blossomed on the senior stage.

He began his professional journey with Jamba Football Academy in Nigeria before securing a move to Norwegian club Lillestrøm in December 2021.

His prolific form there earned him a transfer to Montpellier in France two years later, and earlier this year, he sealed a switch to Sevilla in Spain’s La Liga.

With his goal-scoring debut, Adams joins an illustrious list of Nigerian footballers who have announced themselves on the international stage in style—rekindling optimism about the Super Eagles’ attacking depth as the World Cup qualifiers reach a decisive phase.

NIGERIA’S SCORING DEBUTANTS SINCE 1949

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

Riyad Mahrez ruled out extending his international career into his forties like Cristiano Ronaldo, declaring the 2026 World Cup will be his last after guiding Algeria to a fifth appearance at the tournament.

The 34-year-old winger, who plays for Al-Ahli – the reigning Asian champions – scored once and assisted twice in Algeria’s 3-0 win over Somalia in the penultimate round of African qualifying, securing top spot in Group G and a place at next year’s finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“This will be my last World Cup. I’m not Ronaldo (40),” Mahrez told Algerian media.

“I’ll give everything I have to represent Algeria in the best possible way.”

Mahrez, who turns 35 in February, now has 33 goals in 106 international appearances. He praised his teammates, coach, and fans for their support, saying the team “dominated from start to finish” and that the focus now shifts to the Africa Cup of Nations.

“I thank God for this important win,” he said. “I’m happy to have helped with two assists, but the most important thing is that we’ve officially qualified.”

Algeria have now qualified for the World Cup for the fifth time following appearances in 1982, 1986, 2010 and 2014. Their best performance came in 2014 in Brazil, where they reached the round of 16 for the first time before falling to eventual champions Germany in extra time.

-Reuters

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

An avalanche of goals for the Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal on Friday put both teams on the brink of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, which they can secure with home success in their last group matches next week.

African champions Cote d’Ivoire beat the Seychelles 7-0 away to stay one point ahead of Gabon in the Group F standings and they will qualify if they win their final game at home to Kenya on Tuesday.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored all four goals for Gabon, before being sent off, as they came from behind to beat the Gambia 4-3 in a thrill-a-minute affair in Nairobi that kept alive their hopes.

Senegal maintained their two-point advantage in Group B over the Democratic Republic of Congo as they beat South Sudan 5-0, while the Congolese recorded a 1-0 triumph in Togo. Senegal will qualify for a third successive World Cup if they beat neighbours Mauritania at home on Tuesday.

In Friday’s later matches, Aiyegun Tosin scored late to put Benin two points clear in Group C with a 1-0 victory in Rwanda.

Benin have 17 points while South Africa, who drew 0-0 with neighbours Zimbabwe, sit on 15.

Nigeria moved back into contention with 14 points following a 2-1 away victory over Lesotho with a penalty from captain William Troost-Ekong and a late effort from substitute Akor Adams.

The group will be decided on Tuesday when Benin go away to Nigeria and South Africa host Rwanda.

Ismaila Sarr gave Senegal a 29th-minute lead as Iliman Ndiaye delivered a cross to the back post from the right flank and the Everton winger was also the provider for Sadio Mane to score early in the second half.

Sarr then scored his second goal while Nicolas Jackson and Pape Cherif Ndiaye also found the net.

Cedric Bakambu broke away after an interception in the seventh minute to win the game for DR Congo in Lome, moving them to 19 points, two behind Senegal.

IVORIAN OPENED SCORING WITH GIFT PENALTY

The Ivorians were always expected to run riot against the Seychelles, who are 203rd out of 210 countries in the FIFA rankings, but were handed a gift of a penalty after six minutes, which Ibrahim Sangare converted to get things going.

After that followed goals for Emmanuel Agbadou, Oumar Diakite and Evann Guessand before halftime, and Yan Diomande, Simon Adingra and Franck Kessie after the break.

The 36-year-old Aubameyang kept alive Gabon’s hopes in a remarkable individual performance with two goals in each half before a needless red card late in the game.

He was booked for breaking the corner flag as he kicked it in celebration and then collected a second caution for a petulant shove on an opponent that means he is suspended for their last game at home to Burundi on Tuesday.

Already qualified Tunisia had a 6-0 win over minnows Sao Tome e Principe in Group H with two goals each for Mohamed Ali Ben Romndhane and Elias Saad.

The final round of African group qualifiers start on Sunday and conclude on Tuesday

-Reuters

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H