Matias Almeyda confirmed that the exit of Nigerian goalscorers Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke for the AFCON tournament “disrupts the club,” but insisted the team must overcome their absence without making excuses.
Sevilla coach Matias Almeyda admitted the departure of two key Super Eagles players, Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke, for AFCON 2025 will disrupt the club’s plans.
Adams and Ejuke both scored in Sevilla’s recent 4-0 win over Real Oviedo, highlighting their importance just before their exit. Almeyda stated: “Of course, it disrupts the clubs.”
The Argentine manager acknowledged the challenge of maintaining momentum without the attackers, who are heading to the tournament with the Nigerian national team.
Despite the blow, Almeyda insisted he would not use their absence as an excuse, mentioning ongoing discussions with the sporting director about potential replacements. “When I arrived, I said I would never make excuses,” he remarked.
Following the victory, which pushed Sevilla into ninth place, the 51-year-old manager urged his remaining squad members to rise to the occasion.
Almeyda emphasized belief and hard work, noting the team now faces a “battle” to compensate for the loss of the two Nigerian internationals and other injured players.