A brace and an assist on debut sent Venezia through in the Coppa Italia, and set up a mouth-watering all-Nigerian clash between Akor Adams and Maduka Okoye next month.
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Super Eagles striker Akor Adams marked his Venezia debut with two goals and an assist as the club came from behind to beat Serie B side Modena 3-2 in the Coppa Italia, Complete Sports reports.
It was Adams’ first appearance since completing his club record move from Spanish La Liga side Sevilla, and he wasted little time making an impact. Modena took the lead through Giuseppe Ambrosino in the 17th minute, but Adams levelled nine minutes later. Ambrosino restored Modena’s lead in the 39th minute before Adams turned provider, setting up John Yeboah’s equaliser in the 83rd minute, then scored the winner himself two minutes later to send Venezia through.
An All-Nigerian Round Of 16
The result sets up a round of 16 meeting with Udinese, who edged Serie B side Padova 1-0 on the same night, and means Adams will come up against fellow Super Eagles international Maduka Okoye, Udinese’s goalkeeper, when the two sides meet on September 2. Venezia have won the Coppa Italia only once, back in the 1940/41 season, while Udinese have never won the competition.
A Club-Record Arrival
Adams joined Venezia in a permanent deal worth an initial €17 million, with add-ons capable of pushing the total close to €23.5 million, making him the biggest signing in the club’s history and one of Sevilla’s most lucrative sales to an Italian side. He signed a contract running until June 2030. The 26 year old said Venezia’s ambitious long-term project and passionate supporters were what convinced him to make the move, despite the switch drawing mixed reactions from some Nigerian fans who questioned the step down in league profile.
Adams finished last season as Sevilla’s top league scorer with 10 goals in 37 appearances, form that played a key role in helping the Spanish club avoid relegation and also helped him break into the Super Eagles fold. Venezia open their Serie A campaign at home to Lecce next Sunday, before an early away trip to face AC Milan at the San Siro.
📌 Did You Know?
- Adams began his career in Benue State before moving to Norwegian side Sogndal in 2018, where he scored 16 goals in 56 appearances.
- He later starred for Lillestrom, scoring 28 goals in 50 matches, form that earned him a move to French club Montpellier in 2023.
- His €17 million move to Venezia makes him the fourth biggest Nigerian transfer to a Serie A club in history.
- Adams’ switch means he has now played in three of Europe’s top five leagues: Ligue 1, La Liga and now Serie A.
- Venezia’s ownership is linked to APEX Capital and includes global music star Drake among its investors, part of the ambitious project Adams cited when explaining his move.
- Maduka Okoye, Adams’ opponent in round 16, has established himself as Udinese’s first-choice goalkeeper and a regular fixture for the Super Eagles.
- Adams stands at 1.90m and is known for his physical strength and aerial threat, qualities that were on full display in his match-winning cameo against Modena.
