On a night where he should have been celebrating his first-ever AFCON goal, the Sevilla star was instead battling a private nightmare that began just hours before kickoff on Monday.
The Secret Struggle Before the Whistle
While fans were cheering Adams' 75th-minute strike that sealed the 4-0 victory, few knew the heavy burden he was carrying. According to reports from renowned Nigerian journalist Tobi Adepoju, Akor’s mother—who traveled to Morocco with his father to support the team—was rushed to the hospital on Monday morning.
Despite the devastating news, Adams showed incredible mental strength to feature in the match, eventually dedicating his goal to her in a post-match interview that has now gone viral.
"The goal is dedicated to my mum. She is supposed to be here, but she is in the hospital. She was admitted this morning," Adams told reporters with visible emotion.
The "Family First" Update
The Super Eagles management has acted swiftly, granting Adams compassionate leave to stay at the hospital in Fez. A family source told Adepoju that she is currently responding well to treatment, providing a glimmer of hope for the striker and his family.
Key Details of the Situation:
• Status: Akor Adams is currently at the hospital in Fez, not at the team hotel.
• Support: His father is also in Morocco, ensuring the family remains united during the crisis.
• Team Reaction: The NFF and manager Eric Chelle have emphasized that Adams’ well-being is the priority over the upcoming Quarter-Final.
Will He Play in the Quarter-Final?
Nigeria is scheduled to face the winner of Algeria vs. DR Congo on Saturday, January 10. While Adams remains part of the official squad, his participation will depend entirely on his mother’s recovery.
The striker has expressed his deep gratitude to Nigerians for the "outpour of goodwill messages and prayers" that have flooded his social media since the news broke.
The "Spirit of 2026"
This squad has shown immense unity throughout the tournament, and the camp is reportedly rallying behind Adams. Many fans are calling this the "Super Eagles' heart," proving that beyond the goals and the trophies, this team is a brotherhood.