Akor Adams’ Tactical Odyssey in Montpellier: Tracking His Climb, Fortitude, and the Intensifying European Showdown

By Ediale Kingsley

I speak with celebrities. The movies and music superstars are usually more expressive. Today, I spoke with one football star. He speaks expressly and very eloquently.
He is just a few goals behind Kylian Mbappe. Yes, this celeb is a goal machine, and Ediale Kingsley is ready for this dialogue.

“Jamba was the academy that formed a big part of my teenage development in football. I left home to join them at a very young age and then had a trial at Abuja in 2017, with Attah Aneke’s team of scouts picking me as the best from the tournament.”

In the footsteps of Nigerian sensation Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams has swiftly risen as Montpellier’s emerging star, leaving a notable impact on Ligue 1’s scoring charts, trailing closely behind Kylian Mbappé. Hailing from the Jamba Football Academy in Kaduna, Adams’s journey took him from Norway, where he overcame injuries at Sogndal, to a prolific stint at Lillestrom, scoring 28 goals in 50 appearances.

“I think my whole stay in Sogndal IL was instrumental as I worked with a top coach at that early stage and was in an environment that allowed for growth and self-confidence.”

His dynamic and versatile playstyle, emphasizing teamwork and defensive prowess, has seamlessly integrated into Montpellier’s strategy, making him a force on the pitch and creating opportunities for his teammates.

“I knew my time to play in the top Norwegian league was that year (2021), so I told my agent we needed to get something, and I felt ready. Lillestrøm suited the project I wanted, and I went there. African players thrive there as well.”

Since his debut in Round 1 for Montpellier, where he notched a two-goal performance, Adams has continued to shine, accumulating seven goals in just five league appearances. Currently positioned second only to Kylian Mbappé in the scoring charts.

Adams’ impactful journey and hunger for success echo the sentiments of Montpellier coach Michel der Zakarian, who describes him as a diligent worker both in the gym and on the pitch.

“Yes, scoring against Nardo was the start of my journey with Lillestrøm. But after the first league goal against HamKam, I knew I was ready.”

It’s not a surprise that I catch Akor Jerome Adams at Plage Palace by the beach. Although he is typically an inside guy. However when he wants to have fun and relax he does that here by the beach. For a young man who grew up in three states named after rivers in Nigeria. It’s not really surprising.

“I am from a family of Christian background and modest. My dad was a teacher and my mum a Liberian. I grew up in 3 different states as my dad was often transferred I am from Benue state but grew up in Kogi and Niger state of Nigeria.”

Benue derives its name from the Benue River which is the second largest river in Nigeria after the River Niger. Kogi is the only state in Nigeria to border ten other states. Kogi is the Hausa word for river. While, Niger is named after the River Niger. Two of Nigeria’s major hydroelectric power stations, the Kainji Dam and Shiroro Dam, are located in Niger State, along with the new Zungeru Dam.

“They play in one of the best leagues in the world, and they have been consistent through the years. I spoke as well to the legend John Utaka, and he encouraged me to join the club as their ambition matches my drive.”

Discussing his typical days in France, Akor Adams reveals the captivating cadence of his days. On match days, anticipation crescendos as he checks into the hotel the night before, savoring the morning’s breakfast, a leisurely walk by noon, followed by a meticulous match preparation talk and video session, culminating in the vibrant crescendo of the stadium experience. On quieter days, he embraces his inner solitude, exploring the beauty of Montpellier with visits to The Odysseum commercial center, indulging in moments of quiet introspection. And when the desire for relaxation beckons, Adams finds solace at Plage Palace, a serene retreat by the beach, immersing himself in the tranquil embrace of a chill day infused with the sea’s soothing whispers.

“I am not satisfied as I know I have the potential to do even better every weekend. But it’s a learning process, and I like it very much.”

In Europe, a riveting race ensues as both AC Milan and West Ham vie for the coveted talent of Akor. Drawing parallels with Nigerian luminaries who graced AC Milan, including Samuel Chukwueze and Taribo West, and West Ham’s notable Nigerian-born players like Victor Moses and Angelo Ogbonna, the allure of Akor has intensified the competition between these clubs. The rumored pursuit prompts reflections from Akor, echoing the dreams of many Nigerian youngsters to play in the prestigious Premier League, emphasizing the significance of clubs like AC Milan expressing interest in him as a testament to his untapped potential. As AC Milan and West Ham navigate the challenges of European competition, the prospect of securing a goal maestro like Adams fuels the intrigue. The Nigerian says he is prepared for the dynamic and competitive situation in the pursuit of football excellence.

“Premier League is a dream for every Nigerian kid, but right now only time will tell.”

“I think for me, for a club like AC to look in your direction means there’s more in me, and that is my focus: to maximize my potential.”

Akor Adams’ football journey unfolds as a testament to strategic choices and unwavering determination. His move to Lillestrøm in December 2021 was propelled by a keen sense of readiness for the top Norwegian league, driven by a desire to align with the club’s project and the conducive environment for African players. The initiation of his Lillestrøm chapter marked a significant milestone, with the memorable goal against Nardo setting the stage for a compelling journey, later solidified by a league goal against HamKam.

“God’s grace, firstly. Always stay focused and do the basics. Goals are the result of these two things for me.”

“On top European clubs calling for me, all my focus right now is on Montpellier. We’ll see what happens.”

The transition to Montpellier in August 2023 bore witness to Adams’ ambition aligning with the club’s stature in one of the world’s best leagues. A conversation with the legendary John Utaka served as a pivotal influence, emphasizing the harmony between club ambition and Adams’ personal drive. His Montpellier experience, though marked by seven goals in 15 appearances, reflects an ever-aspiring spirit, acknowledging the learning curve and expressing a hunger for continuous improvement.

“It was an amazing experience, I must say. Representing Nigeria is a huge privilege and responsibility.”

“I think my strength and pace. I am a constant threat as a striker should be.”

As a top goal-scorer amassing 24 goals across Montpellier and Lillestrom, Adams attributes his consistent form to staying focused and adhering to the basics. His international journey, notably the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup with Nigeria, is described as an “amazing experience,” embracing the privilege and responsibility of representing his country. In dissecting his playing style, Adams underscores his strengths in pace and power, making him a relentless force as a forward.

“Help the team win as many games as possible. Personally, for me, I want to be consistent, healthy, and all the rest will come. Playing in top European competitions and all.”

“I think it spurred me to know they didn’t think highly of me because I was coming from the Norwegian league, but thank God the story is different now.”

Amidst the expectations of being a prolific goal-scorer, Adams adopts a resilient approach, shutting out external noise and entrusting his agent and support team with the off-field matters. Looking ahead, his ambitions intertwine with team success, aiming to secure victories and personal consistency while participating in European competitions. The dynamics of his career, from being offered to Lorient to proving his mettle with Montpellier, serves as a motivational narrative, dispelling preconceptions from his Norwegian league origins.

“I shut out the noise. It’s my agent’s responsibility; I just do the playing, so that helps. I have a good team around me.”

“Like I said, It’s a huge privilege and responsibility to represent Nigeria, and it would be a dream.”

“On Osimehn winning the Best African Footballer of the Year He is, for me, an inspiration, and we are lucky to have him set the pace for every other Nigerian.”

Navigating the intricate world of transfer speculations, Adams emphasizes faith in God and continuous skill development, urging aspiring Nigerian youths to trust in their journey and believe that their opportunity will come. As he contemplates the prospect of a Super Eagles call-up, Adams recognizes the immense privilege and dream-worthy responsibility of representing Nigeria. In the backdrop of Victor Osimhen’s accolades, Adams finds inspiration, considering Osimhen’s achievements as a beacon for Nigerian footballers, setting the pace for future stars.

“Match day: We check into the hotel a night before, have breakfast in the morning, take a walk by noon, then straight to lunch. Get like an hour of rest or so, match prep talk and video, then straight out to the stadium.”

“I’m an inside guy, so I don’t do much, but Montpellier is a beautiful city, so I visit The Odysseum commercial center sometimes. For a chill day, I go to Plage Palace; it’s by the beach.”

“To youngsters aspiring to excel in football as a career. I say trust God above all. Develop your craft as much as possible because the chance will come.”

“I am Akoradams on Instagram.”

“I am from a family of 8, Christian background, and modest. My dad was a teacher, and my mum a Liberian. I grew up in 3 different states as my dad was often transferred. I am from Benue state but grew up in Kogi and Niger state of Nigeria.”

Interviewing Akor Adams was not stressful, perhaps that’s what you get when your father is a teacher and your mum a Liberian. He appreciates Sabistation Media and myself for the hookup as I wished him a scintillating career ahead. Knowing that this is another super story in the making of a young Nigerian with the dreams to conquer the world.

• Kingsley, Founder of Sabistation Media, writes from Lagos.