He is not like Osimhen — Ighalo praises Super Eagles secret weapon against Mozambique

Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has highlighted the unique qualities that differentiate Akor Adams from Victor Osimhen, suggesting the Sevilla forward could be an underrated weapon for Nigeria.

Both strikers were on target in Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 demolition of Mozambique in the Round of 16. While Osimhen’s brace took his tournament tally to three, the night belonged to Adams, who opened his AFCON account with a clinical 70th-minute strike after already providing two assists.

Speaking on SuperSport, Ighalo expressed his delight for the 25-year-old, noting that his goal was a just reward for his selfless play during the group stages.

"I know he was and believe he is going to score in this game [against Mozambique] because he has been working so hard... even giving assists and sacrificing himself for the team," Ighalo said.

"When the chance came, he took it and hit it very hard, and it went in. So, I am happy for him; he got a goal today."

The former Watford man was quick to point out that Adams offers a completely different tactical profile to Osimhen.

"Not all strikers have speed. Victor is a different kind of striker to Akor," Ighalo explained.

"He [Adams] is the kind of striker that likes to keep the ball, the striker that likes to bully and fight. And if you see the game, every time he is always trying to fight, and when he gets the chance, he shoots."

Nigeria will be desperate for both forwards to remain in clinical form as they prepare for a mouthwatering quarter-final clash against Algeria this Saturday, January 10, in Marrakech.

The Super Eagles will be looking to avenge their 2019 semi-final heartbreak and continue their march toward a fourth continental crown.