Nigerian forwards Akor Adams and Kelechi Iheanacho starred as Sevilla warmed up for the new season with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Schalke 04 in Germany, with both players finding the net in a six-goal spectacle on Saturday.
The Spanish club delivered an energetic display that marked their first win of the pre-season campaign and offered a glimpse of the attacking promise the Nigerian duo can provide this term.
Adams, starting as the lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation, wasted no time in making an impression. The 24-year-old forward headed home a perfectly weighted cross after just four minutes to give Sevilla the early lead, his first goal for the club since joining from Montpellier in January.
Despite enduring an injury-hit second half of last season with just four La Liga appearances, Adams looked sharp and purposeful. He doubled Sevilla’s advantage in the 32nd minute with a composed finish past former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius to complete his brace.
Manager Matías Almeyda introduced Iheanacho for Adams at half-time. The former Leicester City striker had missed Sevilla’s 3-0 loss to Birmingham City last week due to a stomach bug, but made an immediate impact on his return.
Though Schalke pulled one back through a Sylla penalty, the momentum swung again in Sevilla’s favour when fellow Nigerian Chidera Ejuke joined the fray in the 65th minute. Just moments later, Agoumé floated in a delightful cross which Iheanacho buried with a powerful header, re-establishing Sevilla’s two-goal cushion.
Schalke responded through Salazar in the 84th minute, but Marcão’s strike two minutes later sealed the victory for the Andalusians.
The match was a showcase of Nigerian attacking brilliance, with Adams and Iheanacho involved in three of Sevilla’s four goals. Their clinical finishing and ability will surely give Almeyda something to ponder as the club gears up for the new campaign.
Both forwards had been included in Sevilla’s 25-man squad for the German tour despite varying circumstances surrounding their places at the club. Adams had been tipped to spearhead Sevilla’s new-look frontline after recovering from a lengthy injury layoff, whilst Iheanacho’s inclusion came despite rumours he was out of favour following a disappointing debut campaign that saw him spend the second half of last season on loan at Middlesbrough.
Ejuke, who also made the travelling party, was looking to make an impression after a mixed debut campaign since signing on a free transfer following the end of his CSKA Moscow contract.
Sevilla now shift focus to their next pre-season test against Marseille on August 2, with Adams and Iheanacho expected to feature prominently again as the former Europa League champions continue their preparations for the new campaign.
