In Nigeria’s 4-0 demolition of Mozambique, Adams was a ghost that the Mambas simply couldn't catch, finishing the night with one goal and two assists.
The "Akor" Impact: Breaking Down the Magic
Adams didn't just score; he built the victory from the ground up. His unselfishness in the first half set the tone for the entire slaughter.
• 20’ THE ARCHITECT: Adams received a pinpoint pass from Alex Iwobi, drove into the box, and delivered a perfect cut-back for Ademola Lookman to open the scoring.
• 25’ THE PROVIDER: Just five minutes later, Adams was at it again, flicking on a cross from Lookman right into the path of Victor Osimhen for a simple tap-in.
• 75’ THE EXECUTIONER: After missing a close chance earlier, Adams finally got his reward. He latched onto a pass from Lookman and hammered a "missile" of a shot into the top corner to seal the 4-0 rout.
Match Statistics: The Numbers Don't Lie
| Category | Akor Adams vs. Mozambique |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Touches in Opp. Box | 9 (Match High - Level with Lookman) |
| Shots on Target | 3 |
| Key Passes | 4 |
"This One is for Mum" — An Emotional Celebration
Beyond the goals, it was an emotional night for the Sevilla striker. After the final whistle, Adams revealed that he played through personal pain to help his country.
"I dedicate my first-ever AFCON goal to my sick mum back home," Adams told reporters in a tearful post-match interview. "Every run I made tonight was for her. This victory is for the fans, but the goal belongs to her."
The Verdict: Is He the Real MVP?
While Ademola Lookman was officially named Man of the Match, many analysts argue that Adams' physical presence and link-up play were the "keys" that unlocked Mozambique's defense. With 3 goal involvements in a single knockout game, he has now equaled a record held by Super Eagles legends.
As Nigeria prepares to face Algeria or DR Congo in the Quarter-Finals, one thing is certain: defenders can no longer just focus on Osimhen. If you give Akor Adams an inch, he will take the whole mile.