Super Eagles forward Akor Adams has ignited online chatter with a perfectly-timed and cryptic social media post, shared moments after Senegal defeated Morocco to clinch the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title.
Senegal Lifts Trophy After Dramatic Final
The Teranga Lions of Senegal were crowned champions of Africa for the second time after a gruelling final against host nation Morocco on January 18, 2026. The match, which ended 1-0, was settled by Pape Gueye's strike in the fourth minute of extra time.
Senegal, led by coach Pape Thiaw, held on through 120 minutes of intense football marked by controversies and disruptions to secure the victory. The result extends Morocco's agonising wait for an AFCON title, with their drought now lasting at least 50 years until the 2027 edition.
Adams' Subtle Jab at Morocco
Shortly after the final whistle, Akor Adams, the Sevilla striker who was part of Nigeria's bronze-medal-winning squad, took to his X (formerly Twitter) page. He shared a video of his goal celebration from Nigeria's match against Algeria in the tournament.
The celebration was a tribute to DR Congo superfan Michel Kuka Mboladinga, who himself paid homage to Patrice Lumumba. Adams captioned the simple video "Africa❤️".
The timing was not lost on Nigerian fans, who immediately interpreted it as a direct dig at losing finalists Morocco. The Atlas Lions had eliminated the Super Eagles in the semi-final under highly controversial circumstances, with Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea at the centre of the storm. Nigeria lost that match on penalties.
Nigerian Fans React to the Petty Masterstroke
The reaction from Nigerian supporters online was swift and approving, with many praising Adams for the subtle jest.
Fan reactions on social media included:
- User @im_kappachino wrote: "I love this tweet ?? Subtle jest ?."
- @alli_ya7 commented: "I love this ???????? They robbed us so bad and Senegal helped us finished them."
- @utdodiahkoncept said: "Omo you petty o but I love it???."
- @mylifeasice added: "Perfect timing ??."
Adams' Explanation for the Original Celebration
After Nigeria secured third place by beating Egypt, Adams had explained the reasoning behind his celebration tribute to Mboladinga. He condemned the unacceptable treatment the Congolese fan received after his team's loss.
Speaking to Ademola Victor TV, Adams stated, "I think you do not kick somebody when he's down... he was passionate for his country... and when Congo lost, all that happened was not acceptable, it's not acceptable in Africa."
While his post was a tribute, its publication immediately after Morocco's heartbreak in the final gave it an additional layer of meaning for Nigerian fans, offering a small measure of poetic justice after their own semi-final exit.
