Paris FC of France winger, Moses Simon’s milestone cap for the Super Eagles of Nigeria coincided on Friday with the 100th African qualifier played by Madagascar, who almost got an away victory at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Sports247 reports that Simon eventually got a symbolic plaque with 100 engraved boldly in it presented to him by Nigeria’s top sports officials after the terse encounter, as the Super Eagles came from a goal down to win the game 2-1.
The Eagles’ comeback from the brink of defeat excited football fans in the Akwa Ibom State capital but spoilt Madagascar’s plan to celebrate their 100th Africa Cup of Nations qualifier with an away win.
Their plan was dashed when a 46th minute equaliser by George Ilenikhena and winning goal by Miaes Usor in the 64th ensured that Simon’s 100th cap would not end in defeat, as he got off Nigeria’s bench and joined the assault midway through the second half.
It was Nigeria’s opening game of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, the Eagles’ first fixture at ‘The Nest of Champions’ since their ignominious inability to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and it ended up being filled with many symbolic talking points in a pulsating 2-1 win.
The evening of drama in Uyo included how two debuting players scored Nigeria’s goals, the second of which came from a substitute who had barely spent a minute on the pitch, while the first was netted one minure into added time of the first half to lift some tension off all Nigerians heading into half-time.
Ironically, the rookies twinkled bright on an evening when the usually reliable Akor Adams and Ademola Lookman were both off form, while Nigeria’s second highest goals scorer in history, Victor Osimhen was in the stadium but could not play due to injury copped at his club, Galatasaray of Turkey.
In Osimhen’s absence, Ilenikhena proved that he can be counted on, while Usor made a world of difference where Adams failed, thereby raising hope that a rosy future lies ahead of the Eagles, even as some analysts reckoned that celebrating 100 caps for Simon also means he will soon leave the Eagles for younger players to take over.
Before that happens, though, a review of Friday’s match by the communications department of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) noted that Simon will enjoy his milestone moment for now and even seek game number 101 on Tuesday, when the Eagles play away to Guinea-Bissau.
The report added, “The match was Madagascar’s 100th game in qualifying campaign for the Africa Cup of Nations but, in the Nigerian camp, the excitement of Moses Simon’s 100th cap for the fatherland added to their joy of victory.
“The energetic forward was presented with a framed jersey bearing his name by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko; NFF’s Acting General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme and; SSA to Mr. President on grassroots sports Development, Mr. Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye.
“Victory took Nigeria joint-top of the group with Guinea Bissau’s Wild Dogs, who defeated Tanzania 2-0 in Dar es Salaam. On Tuesday, Nigeria and Guinea Bissau meet in a top-of-the-table tie at September 24 Stadium, while Madagascar host Tanzania.”
