Akor Adams pulled Nigeria level against Portugal in an international friendly on June 10, 2026, finishing past one of the world’s best defenders to make it 1-1 at halftime. The match, held in Leiria, Portugal, served as a key preparation fixture for both nations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Adams, who plays his club football at Sevilla, has quietly built himself into one of the most reliable forwards in the Nigerian setup. His equalizer marked his sixth goal for the Super Eagles, a tally that looks increasingly impressive given the caliber of opposition he’s scoring against.

How the goal unfolded

Portugal took the lead through Neto in the 23rd minute, and for a stretch it looked like the hosts would cruise into halftime with a comfortable advantage.

Around the 37th minute, Adams got on the ball and found himself up against Rúben Dias. Adams shrugged off Dias and finished with composure, leveling the score at 1-1.

Adams’s rapid rise with the Super Eagles

Born on January 29, 2000, Adams made his international debut on October 10, 2025. In the roughly eight months since, he has racked up 14 appearances and scored five international goals, with this strike against Portugal marking his sixth.

Nigeria’s World Cup preparation takes shape

The squad that took the field in Leiria featured a strong cast of players. Wilfred Ndidi anchored the midfield. Terem Moffi and Moses Simon provided additional attacking threats alongside Adams. Paul Onuachu was also part of the squad, giving Nigeria’s coaching staff multiple options in the forward line.

The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, represents a massive opportunity for African football.