Akor Adams, the Nigerian forward making waves in Ligue 1 with 11 goals this season, has revealed the football legends who have inspired his rise. Speaking about his early influences, Adams recalled how limited access to European football in Nigeria shaped his admiration for some of the sport’s greatest players.

Growing up, Adams could only watch UEFA Champions League and English Premier League games. During that time, the towering Ivorian striker Didier Drogba stood out as a role model for him. “I remember watching a lot of clips of Drogba,” he said, reflecting on his early days in Nigeria. “He was powerful, strong, and scored many crucial goals. He inspired me.”

His football journey took another turn when he moved to Norway. There, he discovered Brazilian legend Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima. “In Norway, I got to know more about Ronaldo, and I watched his clips too. We had a lot of similarities – big, strong, fast, and good with the ball,” Adams explained. Inspired by both Drogba and Ronaldo, Adams aims to model his game after them, combining his natural abilities with the lessons he’s learned from these football icons.

Like his role models, Adams has quickly become known for his physical presence and goal-scoring prowess, qualities that have drawn comparisons to Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. As he continues to shine in France with Montpellier, the 23-year-old forward is not only hoping for more individual success but is also aiming for a potential call-up to the Super Eagles for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

John Utaka, the former Nigerian international, played a significant role in helping Adams move from Lillestrom to Montpellier, furthering his development. With the foundations laid by his idols and mentors, Akor Adams is on the path to making his own mark in African football.