Sevilla’s pre-season preparations received a major boost on Saturday as Nigerian forwards Akor Adams and Kelechi Iheanacho played key roles in a 4-2 win over Schalke 04 in Germany.
The entertaining clash, held as part of Sevilla’s summer tour, marked their first victory of the campaign and offered encouraging signs for manager Matías Almeyda, especially from his Nigerian attacking contingent.
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Starting as the focal point in a 4-2-3-1 setup, Adams wasted no time announcing himself. The 24-year-old opened the scoring inside four minutes, rising high to nod home a precise cross — his maiden goal for Sevilla since joining from Montpellier in January.
Adams, who endured an injury-plagued second half of last season with just four La Liga appearances, looked sharp and eager to impress. He doubled the lead in the 32nd minute, calmly slotting past former Liverpool shot-stopper Loris Karius to complete his brace.
At halftime, Almeyda introduced Kelechi Iheanacho in place of Adams. The former Leicester City striker, who missed last week’s 3-0 defeat to Birmingham City due to illness, wasted little time making his presence felt.
Though Schalke halved the deficit through a penalty converted by Sylla, Sevilla’s response was swift. Fellow Nigerian Chidera Ejuke came on in the 65th minute, and almost immediately played a role in restoring the two-goal cushion. A pinpoint delivery from Lucien Agoumé was met by Iheanacho, whose powerful header made it 3-1.
Schalke briefly threatened a comeback when Salazar struck in the 84th minute, but Brazilian defender Marcão sealed the result two minutes later with a composed finish.
The match showcased the depth and quality of Nigerian talent at Sevilla, with Adams and Iheanacho directly involved in three of the four goals. Their performances will no doubt give Almeyda selection options as the Andalusian club builds toward the new La Liga season.
Adams, back to full fitness, has been tipped to lead Sevilla’s attack this term, while Iheanacho’s involvement comes amid uncertainty surrounding his future, having spent the latter part of last season on loan at Middlesbrough.
Chidera Ejuke, who also made the tour squad, continues his bid to establish himself after a mixed first year at the club following his free transfer from CSKA Moscow.
Sevilla will now turn their attention to their next pre-season fixture against French side Marseille on August 2, with Adams and Iheanacho expected to play key roles once again as the former Europa League winners fine-tune their squad for the upcoming campaign.
