Ex-Super Eagles star Utaka joins Montpellier in unveiling latest Nigerian goal machine

Utaka is a cult hero at Montpellier as he helped the club win their last Ligue 1 title on 2012

Former Super Eagles striker John Utaka joined Montpellier in unveiling Nigerian goal machine Akor Adams whose transfer from Lillestrom was confirmed on Monday.

Adams is one of the top rising stars from Nigeria. The 23-year-old goal poacher has enjoyed steady development in recent years. He was playing for Norwegian division two side Sogndal in 2019, but he joined Lillestrom in January 2022 on a free transfer after a series of impressive displays.

He was brilliant in his first season, registering 11 goals in 33 appearances for the club. However, he has been unplayable this season, scoring 17 goals in 17 games for Lillestrom.

Adams' brilliance caught the eyes of several clubs in Europe, with Bologna and Chelsea closely monitoring his situation.

However, Ligue 1 club Montpellier have emerged on top as they confirmed his transfer from Lillestrom on Monday on a four-year deal for €5.5million.

Utaka, who was an important part of Montpellier's success when they won the Ligue 1 in 2012, featured in Adams' unveiling.

The retired Nigerian striker, who wore the number 7 jersey during his three-year stint at Montpellier, was pictured handing over the number 8 jersey to Adams and said, “Your turn.”

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John Utaka unveiling Akor Adams for Montpellier is a full circle moment.

It's a Naija thing! pic.twitter.com/Kp29J7jw1G

— 🐬 @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) August 7, 2023

Adams played for Nigeria at the Under-20 World Cup. He would look to do well at Montpellier to get a Super Eagles call-up.