Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has publicly commended striker Akor Adams for his poignant on-field tribute to the late Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba. This gesture, performed during Nigeria's crucial Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final victory, has also earned recognition from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
CAF's Powerful Social Media Message
Following Nigeria's 2-0 win against Algeria on Saturday, January 10, 2026, which secured their place in the AFCON 2025 semi-finals, CAF directly acknowledged Adams' act. The continental football body shared a photograph of the striker's celebration on its official social media channels with a succinct but powerful caption: "Standing still. Akor. ??".
The tribute was a direct reference to the silent vigil performed by DR Congo superfan Michel Mboladinga, who has become a notable figure at the tournament. Mboladinga dresses as Lumumba and stands motionless throughout matches, recreating the iconic statue of the assassinated prime minister. Patrice Lumumba, killed in 1961, remains a revered anti-colonial symbol across Africa.
Coach Chelle Adds His Voice of Praise
Echoing CAF's sentiment, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle took to his Instagram story to salute his player. The Malian tactician shared the same image circulated by CAF and captioned it simply with "Lumumba", alongside the picture of Adams standing in solemn respect after scoring Nigeria's second goal against the Desert Foxes.
Chelle's public applause highlights the significance of the moment, which transcended the typical goal celebration to embrace a broader Pan-African historical resonance.
Context: A Gesture Following Controversy
Akor Adams' tribute carries added weight due to a recent controversy involving the Algerian team. Days earlier, Algeria forward Mohamed Amoura faced significant backlash for mimicking Mboladinga's Lumumba pose after Algeria's dramatic round of 16 victory over DR Congo.
Amoura later issued a public apology, stating he did not understand the symbol's deep significance and meant no offense. The Algerian Football Federation attempted reconciliation by presenting Mboladinga with a national team jersey bearing the name "Lumumba".
In this context, Adams' respectful acknowledgment was seen as a corrective and unifying act, honoring the memory of Lumumba and the superfan's tribute with clear intent.
Nigeria's victory sets up a semi-final clash against host nation Morocco on Wednesday, January 14. The Super Eagles will be aiming to secure a record-extending fourth AFCON title. Meanwhile, the Algerian team faces potential sanctions from CAF after players were seen in a viral video confronting the match referee following their elimination.
