Exclusive: Akor Adams Backs Sevilla as He Gears Up for El Gran Derbi Return

After a frustrating spell on the sidelines due to injury, Super Eagles striker Akor Adams is back in full training and eager to make his mark at Sevilla FC. 

The timing couldn't be more perfect; just after the international break and ahead of El Gran Derbi, one of the fiercest rivalries in Spanish football.  

Having joined Sevilla with high expectations, Adams saw his early momentum halted by injury. 

However, in an exclusive interview, the Nigerian striker opens up about his recovery, the club’s unwavering support, and the fiery atmosphere of the Real Betis clash.  

Coping with Injury

Every footballer dreads injuries, but for a new signing, the challenge is even tougher. For Adams, Sevilla’s medical staff and tight-knit squad made all the difference in his recovery.  

"The medical team is fantastic. They really helped a lot. The group as well, the boys are very encouraging. They took me in even when I was not on the pitch with them," he told SportsBoom.com. 

His mindset remained positive despite the setback.  

"We've done the best to come back to fitness in a very, very quick time. The injury was not a good time, but everything happens for a reason."

Sevilla Knew What They Wanted

For a player who just arrived, getting injured so soon could be daunting. But Adams insists Sevilla’s faith in him never wavered.  

"It's unfortunate, that's the truth, about getting injured when you're just coming to a team, but they knew me and they know what they wanted," he explained.  

"So while recovering, I was not in the place of proving; to the fans, yes, but not to the club, because the club signed me because they know me."

Despite missing game time, he felt Sevilla’s full backing.  

"From the medical staff to the coaches, I've had the biggest support. You could see from videos how happy they were when I joined the first training last week."

There's Only One Club in Sevilla

Akor Adams may be new to Sevilla, but he already understands the passion behind El Gran Derbi.

"I'm not saying it because I'm here, but there's only one club in Sevilla and it's Sevilla FC. That's all I know, and that's how I want to see everything," he declared confidently.  

The striker acknowledges the intensity of the fixture, calling it one of the biggest derbies in world football.  

"I think maybe just only a few derbies are bigger than this. Because the clubs are just 10 minutes apart, you have family members split; father and son supporting different teams. It's into the culture of the society. So it's something I look forward to, and we just do our best."

Walking in the Footsteps of Finidi George

Nigerians have a history in this derby, with Finidi George being a club legend at Betis two decades ago. But for Adams, the focus remains on securing a crucial win for Sevilla.  

"To be honest, I'm not thinking so much about what's going to happen because we are a club that has an objective. Yes, it's the derby, but it's one of the games in the season to get us points," he noted.  

"Finidi, of course, is a legend for us as Nigerians, and to walk in that path would just be a privilege. I'll just try to enjoy it as much as possible."

After weeks of rehabilitation, Akor Adams is back and eager to make an impact. Whether he features in the Real Betis clash or not, Sevilla fans can rest assured; he understands what this fixture means.  

With a point to prove and a city to conquer, the Super Eagles striker is ready for his moment in red and white.