Adams, Iheanacho on Target as Sevilla Hit Schalke for Four in Pre-Season Thriller

Nigerian duo Akor Adams and Kelechi Iheanacho were both on the scoresheet as Sevilla claimed their first pre-season victory with an entertaining 4-2 win over Schalke 04 in Germany on Saturday.

The La Liga side produced a lively performance that not only marked their maiden win of the summer but also highlighted the attacking depth brought by their Nigerian contingent ahead of the new campaign.

Adams, deployed as the lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 setup, opened the scoring just four minutes into the match with a well-timed header, his first goal for Sevilla since joining from Montpellier in January. The 24-year-old, who endured an injury-plagued second half of last season with only four league appearances, looked sharp throughout his 45-minute outing.

He doubled Sevilla’s lead in the 32nd minute, calmly slotting past former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius to complete a first-half brace and underline his readiness for the upcoming season.

At the break, manager Matías Almeyda brought on Iheanacho in place of Adams. The former Leicester City forward, absent in last week’s 3-0 loss to Birmingham City due to illness, wasted little time making his mark.

Although Schalke halved the deficit via a Sylla penalty, Sevilla regained control shortly after Chidera Ejuke’s introduction in the 65th minute. The winger’s arrival brought immediate impact, as just moments later Lesley Ugochukwu lofted a pinpoint cross into the box that Iheanacho powered home with a firm header.

Schalke threatened a late rally when Salazar made it 3-2 in the 84th minute, but Sevilla responded swiftly through Marcão, who restored the two-goal cushion with a clinical finish two minutes later.

The match served as a showcase of Nigerian attacking talent, with Adams and Iheanacho directly involved in three of Sevilla’s goals. Their form will provide food for thought for Almeyda as he fine-tunes his squad ahead of the new La Liga season.

Adams and Iheanacho were both included in Sevilla’s 25-man squad for their tour of Germany despite differing fortunes last season. While Adams is expected to play a central role after recovering from injury, Iheanacho’s future remains uncertain following a loan spell at Middlesbrough.

Ejuke, who signed on a free transfer after leaving CSKA Moscow, also impressed as he bids to solidify his place in the team after an inconsistent debut campaign.

Sevilla will continue their pre-season preparations with a friendly against Marseille on August 2, with Adams and Iheanacho both expected to feature again.