Akor Adams And Chidera Ejuke Receive LaLiga MVP Nominations

According to Ireporter Online, Nigerian forwards Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke have been named among the 20 nominees for the 2025-2026 SPORTY LaLiga African MVP Award. The Spanish top-flight league unveiled the shortlist this week, highlighting African talent in LaLiga.

Now in its fifth edition, the award is organised by LaLiga in partnership with SPORTY to celebrate African excellence in Spanish football and strengthen connections between Spanish and African football communities. Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou won the inaugural award in 2021/22, while Nigeria’s Samuel Chukwueze claimed the 2022/23 title. Inaki Williams of Athletic Club has secured the last two editions and is once again on the shortlist.

Adams has emerged as a key figure at Sevilla, leading the club’s league scoring charts with seven goals and three assists in 24 appearances. The 26-year-old joined Sevilla from Montpellier last season in a mid-season transfer and quickly justified the €5 million fee, including scoring in a 4-1 victory over Barcelona.

Ejuke’s nomination underscores the growing impact of Nigerian players in Spain. Both players face strong competition from Villarreal teammates Pape Gueye and Nicolas Pepe, as well as Getafe defender Djene Dakonam.

Voting opened this week and will continue until 10 May, with the winner determined by a combination of fan votes and a panel of football experts, journalists, and industry stakeholders. The award presentation is scheduled for 23 May in Lagos.

Early voting trends indicate Gueye leading with 24.1 per cent, followed by Pepe at 19.6 per cent. Adams currently has 12.1 per cent, level with Williams, while Ejuke has 0.7 per cent at this early stage.