Simon Adingra
Emerse Fae, the head coach of Ivory Coast, has high hopes for young talent Simon Adingra. Following a stellar performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where he played a crucial role in helping Ivory Coast clinch the title, Fae believes Adingra should aspire to build a career similar to that of the legendary Didier Drogba.
At just 23 years old, Adingra has already made a name for himself. He was instrumental in the AFCON victory, setting up the winning goal for Sebastian Haller. His contributions did not go unnoticed; he was named the best young player of the tournament and later finished as the runner-up for the CAF Men’s Player of the Year award, just behind Ademola Lookman.
While Fae acknowledges Adingra’s potential, he emphasizes the importance of individual paths in football. He stated, “I don’t like to compare players. Drogba is Drogba, and Adingra is Adingra. They are not the same kind of player.” This distinction highlights that while both players have immense talent, they bring different qualities to the game.
Fae sees great promise in Adingra but insists on the necessity of hard work. He remarked, “He’s a young player with a lot of talent. I just hope he continues to work hard because, at his age, consistent effort is crucial for improving day by day and year after year.”
Currently, Adingra is not a regular starter at Brighton and Hove Albion, where he plays club football. Fae encourages him to strive for a starting position, as this will be vital for his growth. “He must work hard to earn that position and continue his efforts,” Fae advised. “He needs to stay focused and keep working hard to improve, aiming to build a career similar to Drogba’s.”
Looking ahead, Adingra will be a key player for Ivory Coast as they aim to defend their AFCON title in Morocco later this year. Fae expressed his excitement about having Adingra on his team, stating, “It’s a pleasure for me to have him in my team because he brings a lot of positive qualities.”
With three goals in 18 international appearances, Adingra is on the right track. His nomination for the African Player of the Year at such a young age is a significant achievement and a testament to his potential.
