By Maryjane Austine
Adams’ Late Double Rescues Sevilla at Elche
Sevilla avoided a fifth straight defeat on Monday as Nigeria striker Akor Adams scored twice off the bench to earn a 2–2 draw away to Elche on his return from the Africa Cup of Nations.
The hosts took control early, opening the scoring inside the first 15 minutes when Martim Neto released Aleix Febas, who struck past Sevilla goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos. Elche extended their lead shortly after the restart, with Germán Valera finding the net to put the home side firmly in charge.
Sevilla’s response came after the introduction of Adams at the start of the second half. The 25-year-old reduced the deficit with Sevilla’s first goal in five competitive matches, giving the visitors renewed belief.
Deep into stoppage time, Adams completed his comeback by calmly converting a penalty awarded for handball in the Elche area, bringing Sevilla level and halting a four-match losing run across all competitions.
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Adams had returned to Spain following Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco, where he featured in all seven matches as the Super Eagles secured the bronze medal, contributing two goals and two assists.
His international teammate, Chidera Ejuke, also returned to action on Monday, coming on in the 65th minute as Sevilla ended a run of defeats that began in mid-December. Coach Matías Almeyda had earlier confirmed that both players were available after rejoining the squad following their continental duties.
