Sevilla head coach García Pimienta has made it clear that Akor Adams will not be released for international duty unless he receives full medical clearance from the club.
Adams, who recently earned his first Super Eagles call-up, faces uncertainty over his participation in Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The striker is still recovering from an injury, and Sevilla are unwilling to risk his fitness
Pimienta addressed the situation in a press conference, emphasizing the club’s stance.
“To go with the national team, I understand that he should first be cleared by Sevilla,” Pimienta told Marca. “If for whatever reason this week.”
“I understand that they will want to call him up, but for that to happen he has to be 100 percent. He should help us first.”
The Spanish side signed Adams from Montpellier for €5.5 million in January, hoping to bolster their attack.
However, the 24-year-old has struggled with a myofascial injury to the rectus femoris muscle, limiting him to just nine minutes of action since his debut against Getafe in February.
His prolonged absence has been a setback for Sevilla, who are battling inconsistency in La Liga.
The club expected Adams to add firepower to their frontline, but his fitness issues have delayed his integration into the squad.
Meanwhile, Nigeria currently sit fifth in Group C of their World Cup qualifiers and cannot afford any slip-ups against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Adams’ inclusion in Eric Chelle’s provisional squad was seen as a sign of faith in his abilities, but his availability now depends on Sevilla’s medical team.
Should Adams miss out, Chelle still has a strong pool of strikers to choose from.
Victor Osimhen, Paul Onuachu, Victor Boniface, and Cyriel Dessers are all available and capable of leading Nigeria’s attack.
