Sevilla's Nigerian duo face race against time for Elche clash
After Nigeria's AFCON semi-final exit, Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke could make a surprise return for Sevilla's Monday night trip to Elche despite tight turnaround.
Nigerian international duo Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke could be available for Sevilla’s Monday night trip to Elche following their national team’s elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations.
AFCON heartbreak for Super Eagles
Nigeria crashed out of AFCON in Wednesday’s semi-final, losing to Morocco on penalties after a goalless draw. The Super Eagles’ exit has potentially positive implications for Sevilla, who have been without their Nigerian contingent during the tournament.
The pair had contrasting experiences in Ivory Coast:
- Adams featured prominently, playing 97 minutes in the semi-final and racking up 2 goals and 2 assists across six matches
- Ejuke has been largely confined to the bench, managing just 12 minutes against Tunisia in the group stage
Nigeria still have the third-place playoff against Egypt this Saturday at 17:00, but manager Éric Chelle is expected to rotate his squad for this consolation match. This could mean more minutes for Ejuke while allowing the more heavily-used Adams some well-earned rest.
Monday night football dilemma
The timing creates a proper headache for Sevilla. FIFA recommends a minimum 72-hour recovery period between matches, which would theoretically rule both players out of Monday’s 21:00 kickoff at Estadio Martínez Valero.
However, the Andalusian club is exploring all options to have the Nigerian duo available. If unsuccessful, they’d have to wait until the following Saturday when Los Nervionenses host Athletic Club at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán.
The Etta Eyong precedent
There’s a recent template that might give Sevilla hope. Cameroon’s Karl Etta Eyong played 14 minutes in his country’s quarter-final defeat to Morocco last Friday evening, then managed a brief three-minute cameo for Levante against Espanyol just two days later.
Matías Almeyda will need to tread carefully, though. Sevilla have been plagued by recurring injuries, particularly in attack, and rushing players back could backfire. It’s a classic risk-reward scenario as the gaffer weighs up his options.
With both players potentially available, it’ll be Adams who’d provide the biggest boost given his tournament form, while Ejuke might be the fresher option having spent most of AFCON watching from the sidelines. Bit of a Catch-22 situation for the Spanish side, that’s for sure.