Super Eagles newcomer Moses Usor has revealed how a simple piece of advice from experienced international Moses Simon helped settle his nerves before he came off the bench to score the winning goal on a dream senior Nigeria debut against Madagascar.
Usor announced himself in memorable fashion as Nigeria recovered from a goal down to secure a 2-1 victory in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo, with fellow debutant George Ilenikhena also finding the net.
For the LASK forward, however, the moment began before he even stepped onto the pitch.
“During the warm-up, Moses Simon told me to just play my game, take risks and express myself,” Usor revealed while reflecting on his debut.
That encouragement proved important when head coach Eric Chelle eventually introduced him in the second half.
Rather than allowing the magnitude of his first senior international appearance to overwhelm him, Usor attacked the opportunity with freedom and produced the decisive contribution, scoring Nigeria’s second goal to complete the comeback.
“It was a special moment for me,” he said. “I’m still taking everything in because playing for Nigeria at senior level is something I have always wanted.”
The occasion carried even greater emotional significance because members of his family were inside the stadium to witness his breakthrough moment.
Scoring on debut is memorable enough. Doing it in front of family, wearing the colours of his country and producing the goal that delivered three points made the experience even more special for the 24-year-old.
Usor’s impact also provided further encouragement for Chelle’s decision to introduce new faces into the Super Eagles setup. Ilenikhena had earlier equalised on his own debut before Usor emerged from the bench to complete the turnaround.
But after the excitement of Uyo, Usor is already looking beyond his first goal.
The forward says his objective is to continue expressing himself, contribute to Nigeria’s attacking play and give everything whenever he is trusted with the Super Eagles badge.
For Usor, the first chapter could hardly have been scripted better: one debut, one decisive goal — and one piece of advice from Moses Simon that gave him the confidence to take his chance.
