The Nigerian striker settled the contest at the Stadio Penzo as Venezia FC beat Napoli 1-0 on 17 October, giving Nicola a winning start in charge and securing the club’s first Serie A points of the season.
Adams also received support from the stands after an earlier mistake, with Nicola turning towards the crowd to encourage them to back his forward. The striker said that connection mattered, particularly after a difficult run of results.
“The fans are very important, not only when we win, but also when we lose,” Adams said. “Today we collected three points and we deserved these feelings. The fans have suffered in recent weeks; we need their energy.”
Adams was positive about his first days working under Nicola, who has asked the squad to raise its intensity and improve its collective work without the ball.
“I think he is a very direct person. He has asked us to work on the intensity of our game, and he is clear about what he wants,” Adams said. “He has us working collectively in the defensive phase and, in transition, in the attacking phase. The most important thing was collecting the three points.”
Nicola has spoken about the striker’s potential, and Adams believes there is still plenty for him to learn as he settles into the team.
“I thank the coach. I don’t set limits for myself; I have a lot to learn to improve,” he said. “I can get better here at Venezia. The coach has come here to help me and Venezia.”
Adams also highlighted his understanding with teammate John Yeboah, dismissing any suggestion of tension between them over a previous penalty incident involving Lazio.
“I certainly don’t need to introduce Yeboah to you here in Venice. He is a great player with great potential and is very important for this team,” Adams said. “I couldn’t be angry with him when he gives me assists. We are great friends off the pitch, and our connection is excellent on it too.”
He added that the pair hoped to make a significant contribution through goals and assists.
Adams finished by turning attention to goalkeeper Filip Stankovic, whose penalty save from Kevin De Bruyne and late interventions helped preserve the win.
“Make sure you talk about Filip,” he told reporters with a smile. “He was the man of the match.”