Super Eagles striker Akor Adams has said Nigeria must show a response in tomorrow’s friendly against Russia, insisting the team has taken responsibility for its 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria are preparing in Nizhny Novgorod, where the match will be played at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium. Adams, who plays for Venezia, was among 18 players who took part in the first two training sessions, with further sessions scheduled.
‘There were many factors responsible for the defeat, but it wasn’t a game we should lose,’ Adams said. ‘We should take responsibility for the loss. It was a game we prepared very well for because we knew how important it was to us. Looking back, we are already making corrections to what happened in the game.’
The forward said conditions in Bissau were difficult but did not excuse Nigeria’s performance.
‘Good pitches should be the bare minimum for African football,’ he said. ‘I am not making excuses because, as professionals, we know there are a lot of things that come into a game: the weather, the referee and so on. Whatever the circumstances, we should be able to find our way.’
Adams said the manner of the loss hurt the squad. ‘The captain (Wilfred Ndidi) was pissed at us. Many of the players were not happy. We were all devastated, having come from far and losing the way we did,’ he said.
He said Nigeria must also strengthen their position in the qualifying campaign. ‘We will try our best not to be in a place where we need to rely on the results of other games before we qualify. We fell short in Bissau. We understand better now, and we will make sure we come out good.’
The Russia fixture gives coach Eric Chelle a chance to work with several new faces. Adams welcomed the newcomers but said every player must meet the team’s standards.
‘I am glad for the new players who will likely be making their debut against Russia,’ he said. ‘We have already set the standard very high, and living up to it is what we wake up to do every day as Super Eagles players. We are aware of the standard, and we must strive to live up to it starting from the next game.’
‘We are all hungry to play because of the peculiar situation. Nigerians are passionate about football and they love the Super Eagles. I believe we are going to give our best in the game.’