Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign delivered one of its most poignant moments yet, as Super Eagles debutant/forward Akor Adams revealed that his long-awaited debut goal at the tournament came amid an intensely personal battle, his mother’s health.
While celebrations rang out across the stands and among fans back home, Adams’ thoughts were fixed firmly elsewhere: in a hospital room.
Speaking exclusively to Brila Media, the striker lifted the curtain on a deeply emotional chapter of his AFCON journey, one defined by faith, sacrifice, resilience, and a mother’s enduring influence.
A Goal Scored With a Heavy Heart
Fresh from finding the net at the tournament, Adams’ goal marked a major milestone in his international career.
However the Nigerian attacker admitted that while fans celebrated in the stands, the goal’s significance went far beyond football.
While the goal helped Nigeria consolidate an already dominant position in the match, it carried a weight far heavier than the scoreboard.
Reflecting on the moment, he said:
“It felt good. I think I’ve been looking for it from the get-go of the tournament. I’m grateful to God it came when it came.”
“His timing is perfect.”
He added:
“For me, it was important to seal the victory, which we were already winning before I scored, but it was important for me to get the goal.”
Unknown to many watching, the forward was carrying emotional weight that made the night far more complex than a simple celebration.
Mother Hospitalized, Absent From the Stands
Usually present for her son’s biggest moments, Adams’ mother was notably missing from the stadium, for a painful reason.
Responding to a question from Brila Media about her condition, Adams revealed:
“I went to see her this morning.”
“She’s stable. She’s much better.”
“They were supposed to be at the game, but she couldn’t come because she felt not so strong.”
Grateful for her improvement, he added:
“I’m grateful to God she’s much better, and they’re taking good care of her in the hospital.”
“I Thought About Mum While I Was Playing” – Akor Adams
Adams admitted that his mother’s condition was never far from his mind, even as he stepped onto the pitch.
“I thought about it while I was playing, before I played, because I knew the whole situation.”
Yet, despite the emotional strain, he found a way to deliver for his country.
“I can still focus and try to do my job.”
That ability, he explained, comes from life lessons learned long before AFCON.
“The love of a mother, the care of a mother, the presence of a mother is so, so important.”
“The Bible speaks of it. The Quran speaks of it.”
When asked how he managed to perform under such emotional pressure, he replied:
“I’ve learned to thrive in chaos, so thank God for that.”
A Mother Who Funded a Dream From Nothing
When Brila Media asked about his formative years and the role his mother played in choosing football as a profession, Adams did not hesitate.
He detailed the sacrifices clearly, even during his academy days abroad, support never stopped.
“The most important, I would say, because she paid for everything. Football shoes, all the matches we went, transport fares, everything.”
“While I was in the academy in Cardona, she sent me allowances on a regular basis from the lead to she had.”
“She believed in me before I even started. She knew it was going to happen.”
“It was just a matter of time, and she groomed me in character. I think she was ready for it before the world was.”
Belief Before the Breakthrough; A Son Playing for More Than Himself
Long before goals, call-ups or headlines, Adams said his mother already knew the outcome.
“She believed in me before I even started.”
“She knew it was going to happen.”
“It was just a matter of time.”
Beyond football, she shaped his character.
“She groomed me in character.”
And in a line that captured the depth of her foresight, he added:
“I think she was ready for it before the world was.”
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Brila Media Stands With Akor Adams
Brila Media also extended its support publicly during the exchange.
“On behalf of Brila Media, our chairman, our CEO, our thoughts and prayers are with you.”
“We hope that your mom will heal speedily and join us again as we march on Nigeria’s quest to win our fourth AFCON title.”
