Super Eagles forward Akor Adams in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has expressed his delight with Nigeria’s victory over Tanzania and believes the result will give the team the confidence and motivation to secure another win in the return leg.
Reflecting on the win, the forward admitted that Tanzania provided a difficult test but was pleased that Nigeria managed to get the job done.
“It was a very tough game against a good opponent, but I am happy our aim was achieved as we got all three points against a very tough side. All games are difficult, and this was no different. We had to find a way to break them down, and I am glad it worked out well.”
“We have to look at the positives and take them into the next game. I was a bit unlucky with the end result, but there are a lot of good things to take from the game. The team is committed to qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations. We must make the AFCON. It is what I want and what the entire team wants.
“This result is a morale booster, and we will now travel to Tanzania to complete the job. We must be at the next AFCON.”
The Venezia forward started Friday’s encounter and had a few opportunities to get on the scoresheet but was unable to convert them. However, Nigeria produced an impressive second-half performance to claim all three points with a convincing 3-1 victory.
The Super Eagles made a bright start, with US-based midfielder Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi finishing a swift counter-attack after Ademola Lookman picked him out inside the box.
Tanzania restored parity in the 32nd minute when Alphonce Mabuma Msanga capitalised on a mistake in the Nigerian midfield involving Wilfred Ndidi to make it 1-1.
Nigeria returned from the break with greater intensity and regained the lead in the 52nd minute through substitute Tolu Arokodare, who brilliantly flicked home a pass from captain Wilfred Ndidi.
The Ajax Amsterdam forward then doubled his tally eight minutes later, calmly slotting past the Tanzanian goalkeeper after a defender failed to deal with a pull-back from fellow substitute Moses Usor.
The victory leaves Nigeria in a stronger position ahead of the return fixture, and Adams is confident the team can build on the performance when they travel to Zanzibar.
The Super Eagles will face Tanzania again in Zanzibar on Tuesday, November 17, knowing that another victory will further strengthen their bid to secure qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations.
