In the history of Ivory Coast football, there have been iconic figures who have etched their names in the hearts of the nation’s fans. From Didier Drogba to Yaya Toure, these players have become global stars and have paved the way for future generations. However, there is a new star on the horizon, and his name is Simon Adingra.
Adingra’s rise to prominence came during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament where he played a pivotal role in Ivory Coast’s triumph over Nigeria. In the final, Adingra assisted twice, helping his team secure a 2-1 victory and lift the prestigious AFCON trophy. It was a moment that will forever be remembered in the folklore of Ivory Coast football.
But what makes Adingra’s story even more remarkable is the fact that he did all this despite suffering a hamstring injury just a few months prior. In December, while playing for his club Brighton, Adingra sustained an injury that could have potentially ended his chances of participating in the tournament. However, his determination and love for his country drove him to join the squad and fight for the badge on his jersey.
Yaakub Traore, an Ivory Coast radio journalist who covered the tournament, describes the admiration and pride that the Ivorian people have for Adingra. He says, “All Ivorians are very happy for Adingra. They love him more and more now. Before the competition, he was injured but he fought for the nation, he fought for the trophy, for the jersey of the country, so we are very, very proud of Simon.”
In the final against Nigeria, Adingra faced the formidable Ola Aina, a strong and experienced full-back. Despite the challenge, Adingra proved to be unstoppable, giving Aina a torrid time on the pitch. His two assists were instrumental in securing the victory for Ivory Coast, wiping away 40 years of disappointment since the nation last hosted the tournament.
Traore emphasizes the significance of Adingra’s performance in the final, stating, “We organized AFCON in 1984, but that was very bad for our national team. Now, all of these players will go down in history, but because of Simon’s performance in the final, he will be remembered as the star of the show.”
Adingra’s AFCON campaign has become a symbol of Ivory Coast’s remarkable recovery to ultimately win the tournament. Their journey in the competition seemed to be coming to an end after a devastating 4-0 defeat against Equatorial Guinea in their closing group fixture. Despite being already 3-0 down, Adingra was given his first opportunity to play for the final seven minutes of the match, which seemed to be his last chance at making an impact. However, he had been delayed in his entry into the competition due to a hamstring injury he had sustained in a previous match.
The disastrous defeat against Equatorial Guinea led to the sacking of Manager Jean-Louis Gasset, who was replaced by Emerse Fae. It was a turning point for Ivory Coast as they managed to secure a spot in the knockout stages as one of the four highest-ranked nations to finish third in their group, thanks to other results. It was during this crucial phase of the tournament that Adingra began to show his worth.
In the last 16 match against Senegal, Adingra was brought on in the second half of the game. However, he could only anxiously watch as Ivory Coast went on to win 5-4 in a penalty shootout, securing their place in the quarter-finals. Adingra’s time to shine came in the quarter-final match against Mali. With Ivory Coast trailing 1-0 and on the brink of elimination, Adingra came off the bench in the 86th minute and scored the equalizing goal in the final minute of normal time. This crucial goal ultimately led Ivory Coast to a 2-1 victory and a place in the semi-finals.
In the semi-final match against the Democratic Republic of Congo, Adingra got his first start in the tournament. He played for 80 minutes and contributed to the team’s 1-0 victory, securing their place in the final.
In the AFCON final against Nigeria at the Olympic Stadium in Abidjan, Adingra truly showcased his skills and talent. Despite trailing 1-0, he played a pivotal role in Ivory Coast’s come-from-behind victory. In the 62nd minute, he delivered a corner that led to Franck Kessie’s equalizing header. However, Adingra’s most significant contribution came in the 81st minute when he provided a left-wing cross that was expertly converted by Sebastien Haller, ultimately securing the trophy for Ivory Coast.
Adingra’s performance in the final was nothing short of impressive. He created six chances, completed five dribbles, and won nine duels, each being the highest in the match. This display of skill and dominance did not go unnoticed, as even former Aston Villa and Ghana midfielder George Boateng praised his impact on the game, stating that he ran Nigeria ragged.
As Ghana reflects on their exit at the group stage of the tournament, they can find solace in the contribution of the Right To Dream Academy in Adingra’s development and pathway. Adingra’s journey in football started at the academy, located in Old Akrade, Ghana. It was there that he honed his skills and emerged as a promising talent. The young players at the academy celebrated his success after watching the final on a big screen, recognizing the role their alma mater played in his development.
Didi Dramani, the head of football at the academy, spoke highly of Adingra’s integration into the program. He described him as one of the fastest integrating players, quickly understanding the academy’s style of play and showcasing his exceptional talent on the field.
During his time at the academy, Adingra reflects on the importance of those two years. It was during this period that he not only learned English but also gained a deep understanding of European football. The academy was a crucial stepping stone for his career, and he credits it with shaping him into the player he is today. Despite the challenges of being away from home for long periods of time, Adingra expresses his happiness because football is his true passion.
One person who played a significant role in Adingra’s journey is Dramani, who acted as his mentor. When Adingra made the move to Nordsjaelland in January 2020, Dramani was there to guide him. Dramani had been working as a transitional coach for the Danish club at the time. Unfortunately, Adingra suffered an arm injury during his very first training session with the first-team squad after being promoted from the under-19s.
Dramani recalls the incident and describes how he lived in the club hotel with Adingra, their rooms adjacent to each other. Adingra had his arm in a cast, and Dramani saw the need to prepare him mentally for his recovery and future performances on the field. He conducted one-on-one sessions with Adingra, reminding him of his potential and reassuring him that his speed and skills would always prevail. Dramani emphasized the importance of adapting to challenges and learning how to use his hands effectively during matches.
The support for Adingra extended beyond just Dramani. Michael Essien, the former Chelsea and Ghana midfielder who is now an assistant coach at Nordsjaelland, visited Abidjan and had the chance to meet Adingra’s mother and sister. This visit was arranged by Dramani to showcase the work of the academy. Essien joined in congratulating Adingra after his impressive performance in the final against Nigeria on Sunday.
These experiences and the guidance from mentors like Dramani and Essien have undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping Adingra on his path to success. With their support and his dedication to the sport he loves, Adingra is poised to continue making waves in the world of football.
Brighton’s player recruitment has once again proven to be impressive with their signing of Adingra. The club acquired the talented player from Nordsjaelland for a sum of £6 million in June 2022. Adingra had spent the previous season on loan at Union Saint-Gilloise, a Belgian side in which Brighton’s owner-chairman, Tony Bloom, holds a minority stake. This loan move is reminiscent of what the club did with Japanese winger Kaoru Mitoma.
What sets Adingra apart is his remarkable performance at USG, surpassing even Mitoma’s numbers. Across 51 appearances in all competitions, Adingra scored an impressive 15 goals and provided 15 assists. Notably, he made a significant contribution to USG’s Europa League campaign, registering three assists in nine matches as the team reached the quarter-finals, narrowly losing to Bayer Leverkusen with a 5-2 aggregate scoreline.
Brighton has big plans for Adingra, as he is expected to play a crucial role in their upcoming Europa League last 16 match and the FA Cup fifth-round tie against Wolves. Additionally, he will be instrumental in the club’s pursuit of a third consecutive top-10 finish in the Premier League.
While Mitoma dominates on the left wing, which happens to be Adingra’s preferred position, the Ivorian player has also showcased his versatility on the right flank. With five goals and three assists in 23 appearances in the Premier League and the Europa League, Adingra has proven himself to be a valuable asset to Brighton’s attack.
The club recognizes Adingra’s potential and plans to give him a warm welcome upon his return from his exploits in his homeland. Similar to the reception given to Alex Mac Allister after his World Cup success with Argentina, Brighton aims to celebrate Adingra’s achievements in style, although the exact date of his return is yet to be determined.
The win in the Africa Cup of Nations not only brought joy and pride to the Ivorian people but also solidified Adingra’s place as a star in the world of football. His skill, determination, and unwavering commitment to his country have made him a beloved figure in Ivory Coast, following in the footsteps of the legends who have come before him.
As Adingra’s career continues to flourish, it is clear that he is destined for greatness. He has already made a lasting impact on the Ivory Coast national team, and there is no doubt that he will continue to shine on both the domestic and international stages. With his talent and passion, Simon Adingra has become Ivory Coast’s Starman, carrying on the legacy of the nation’s footballing heroes.