Nigerian players have not had a bright start to life in La Liga this season.
From injury struggles to limited playing time, several Super Eagles stars are facing uphill battles to make the cut for the December AFCON 2025 tournament.
Umar Sadiq — The Forgotten Man at Real Sociedad
It’s been a frustrating campaign for Umar Sadiq, who has become somewhat of an outcast at Real Sociedad.
The striker has not featured in a single match this season and was even left out of the squad for their last fixture against Real Betis.
Manager Sergio Francisco does not consider Sadiq part of his plans and has no intention of reintegrating him anytime soon.
As it stands, Sadiq is expected to leave the Basque club once the January transfer window opens.
Without regular playing time, his chances of being called up for AFCON 2025 are slim.
That would mean missing out on the continental tournament for the second time in a row a huge blow for the forward.
Chidera Ejuke — Struggling for game time at Sevilla
Ejuke has also endured a rough start to the season. The 27-year-old has been limited to a bench role, making just three appearances so far.
He featured for 45 minutes in the opening game against Athletic Club, played 67 minutes versus Getafe, and played 18 minutes against Girona.
He was an unused substitute in the match against Deportivo Alavés.
Ejuke has struggled to make an impact in all three appearances. His combined expected goals (xG) stands at a lowly 0.06, with just two shots and two chances created.
His dribbling stats are also underwhelming, a 50% success rate and he was dispossessed three times.
He doesn’t pass the eye test and has been so poor this season which makes it difficult for Eric Chelle to call him up to the Super Eagles’ AFCON squad.
Akor Adams — A Bright Spot Amidst Darkness
One of the few positives for Nigeria in La Liga has been Akor Adams, Ejuke’s teammate.
Adams battled an hamstring injury that sidelined him for 15 matches last season, but the 25 year old has shown real promise this season.
He made an assist in the season opener against Athletic Bilbao, completed a full 90 minutes against Getafe, and returned from injury with a substitute appearance against Deportivo Alavés.
The forward has an expected goal rate of 0.31, an expected assist (xA) of 0.05, with six shots in total three on target. His dribbling has been excellent, with a 100% success rate so far.
Currently being monitored and managed carefully by the Los Nervionenses medical and coaching staff, Adams will need to regain full fitness and consistency if he’s to secure a spot in Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 squad.
