Wounded, angry and desperate for redemption.
That is the mood in the Super Eagles camp after the humiliating 3-0 collapse against Guinea-Bissau, and striker Akor Adams says Nigeria must unleash that hunger on Russia tomorrow.
“We Must Take Responsibility”
Speaking from the team’s base in Nizhny Novgorod, the Venezia hitman did not hide his pain. The Eagles lost a game they were supposed to win, and the dressing room knows it.
“There were many factors responsible, but it wasn’t a game we should lose,” Akor fired. “We prepared very well because we knew how important it was. We should take responsibility.”
The forward admitted conditions in Bissau were terrible, but refused to use it as an excuse.
“Good pitches should be the bare minimum for African football,” he said. “But as professionals, we know weather, referee, everything comes into a game. Whatever the circumstances, we should find our way.”
The defeat left the squad devastated. Captain Wilfred Ndidi was furious. Players were shattered after travelling so far only to fall so flat.
“The captain was pissed at us. Many players were not happy. We were all devastated,” Akor confessed.
Hungry Eagles Eye Russia Revenge
Now, all eyes are on Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
ALSO READ: Super Eagles humiliated 3-0 in Bissau
Coach Eric Chelle is using the international friendly to test new faces, and Akor says the newcomers must feel the weight of the green-white jersey immediately.
“I am glad for the new players who will likely debut against Russia. We have set the standard very high. Living up to it is what we wake up to do every day as Super Eagles players,” he said.
For Akor, this is more than a friendly. It is about pride, about qualifying without begging for other teams’ results.
“We will try not to be in a place where we need to rely on other results. We fell short in Bissau. We understand better now,” he vowed.
His final warning to Russia was simple and direct:
“We are all hungry to play because of the peculiar situation. Nigerians love the Super Eagles passionately. We are hungry for result in Russia, and we will give our best.”
