AFCON 2025: CAF Sends Message to Akor Adams After Tribute to DR Congo Superfan Mboladinga ‘Lumumba’

AFCON 2025: CAF Sends Message to Akor Adams After Tribute to DR Congo Superfan Mboladinga ‘Lumumba’

  • The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has sent a message to Super Eagles striker Akor Adams
  • Adams scored Nigeria’s second goal during the win over Algeria and his celebration caught attention
  • Adams dedicated his celebration to Mboladinga ‘Lumumba’, the DR Congo superfan at AFCON

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) sent a message to Super Eagles striker Akor Adams after his goal celebration against Algeria in Marrakech.

Adams scored Nigeria’s second goal against the Desert Foxes on January 10, 2026, atoning for his earlier misses, which could have given the Super Eagles the lead.

Akor Adams, Super Eagles, Nigeria, AFCON 2025, Morocco.
Akor Adams scores Nigeria's second goal against Algeria. Photo from @caf_online.
Source: Twitter

What caught the attention of most fans was the Sevilla striker’s goal celebration, which was in honour of DR Congo superfan Mboladinga ‘Lumumba’.

CAF sends message to Akor Adams

Adams' celebration imitated Mboladinga, who has stood for the 90 minutes of all DR Congo’s games to honour the legacy of former prime minister Patrice Lumumba.

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CAF noted Adam’s respect to the Congolese fan and shared his photo on their official X page with a powerful message to the Nigerian striker.

“Standing still. Akor. 🇳🇬,” CAF wrote.

The Super Eagles star earned respect for the gesture after Algerian star Mohamed Amoura disrespected Mboladinga after Algeria’s win over DR Congo.

As noted by Bein Sport, the Algerian national team apologised for the incident and Amoura published a statement citing his ignorance in the action.

Fans reacted to Adams’ gesture as a touch of clash and wished Nigeria well for the rest of the tournament.

@MrChirenga wrote:

“Love the fact that Africans are becoming more and more united fam …. Love From Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 ❤️”

@LawrenceLual wrote:

“This is a good lesson to Algeria fans who were mocking DRC die hard fans.Congrats #SuperEagles, go on win the AFCON please 🙏🏽 💙 ❤️.”

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AFCON 2025: Chelle reacts to CAF’s gesture after Akor Adams’ emotional tribute to DR Congo's Lumumba

@PatrickMos46611 wrote:

“I think the whole of Africa was behind Nigeria just like we are behind them in their next match, there's no way they were gonna lose.”

Eric Chelle praises Akor Adams

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle singled out Akor Adams for praise after another brilliant performance alongside Victor Osimhen in the Eagles’ attack.

The Sevilla forward has provided balance in the Eagles attack, reducing the workload on Osimhen with his energy and combination.

Eric Chelle, Super Eagles, Nigeria, AFCON 2025, Morocco.
Eric Chelle praises Akor Adams' contribution in the Nigerian national team. Photo by Abu Adem Muhammed.
Source: Getty Images
“Like I said, the group is more important than the player, but Akor is in this team, he gives everything for his team, for his brothers,” he said as quoted by All Nigeria Soccer.
“The other players once again gave everything tonight for the group. Today the win is for us. We have to stay humble and continue to work.”

The players and staff returned to Fez on Sunday afternoon, from where they will continue preparations for the semi-final clash vs Morocco.

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AFCON 2025: Algeria players ‘attack’ referee after losing to Super Eagles

CAF sends message to Super Eagles

Legit.ng reported that CAF sent a message to the Super Eagles of Nigeria after booking a semi-final date with host nation national team Morocco.

CAF applauded the Super Eagles’ performance against the Desert Foxes of Algeria as they prepare to face another North African team.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Elijah Odetokun avatar

Elijah Odetokun (Sports Editor) Elijah Odetokun is a Nigerian sports editor at Legit.ng. He has five years of working experience and holds a Bachelor of Agriculture from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and a Diploma in Freelance and Sports Writing from the London School of Journalism. He has covered major Super Eagles games, including FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Email: elijah.odetokun@sportsbrief.com