Sunderland winger Simon Adingra has spoken candidly about a difficult first six months on Wearside, admitting that a lack of playing time cost him a place in Ivory Coast’s Africa Cup of Nations squad.
The 22-year-old finally opened his Sunderland account in this week’s draw with Leeds United, a moment he described as both emotional and relieving after a challenging start under head coach Régis Le Bris.
“It was tough,” Adingra said. “I didn’t start well and I didn’t have a lot of playing time. Obviously, if you don’t play for your club, you can’t make it to the national team.”
The disappointment was particularly painful for the Ivorian, who was part of the Elephants squad that lifted the AFCON trophy at the previous tournament. Missing out on the latest edition, he admitted, was a major blow.
“The last AFCON, I participated in it, to win it with my national team, so of course I was expecting to go,” he said. “But there was another plan. I’m here now, full focus on Sunderland.”
Adingra believes the absences of several teammates have now opened a door for him to establish himself and repay the faith of his manager.
“I was not playing enough, and now we have some team-mates missing in the squad. It’s my opportunity now,” he said. “I feel that I am ready. I have to show my coach he can count on me.”
Despite the setback with Ivory Coast, the winger praised the support he has received from within the club.
“He has been good, like my team-mates, the whole club,” Adingra added. “They know how I feel, not being there. It was a disappointing period for me not to be with my national team.”
Scoring his first goal in front of the Stadium of Light crowd offered a sense of renewal.
“It was really good to score in front of our fans, my first goal for Sunderland,” he said. “I’ve had a tough moment during the start of the season. It was a little bit challenging, but today I had my chance. I hope I will keep going.”
For Adingra, the focus is now firmly on turning a painful chapter into a platform for progress, both for Sunderland and, eventually, for Ivory Coast once again.
