Nigerian winger Moses Simon has expressed immense pride after earning his 80th cap for the Super Eagles during the recent Unity Cup tournament in London.
The 29-year-old FC Nantes forward not only reached this significant milestone but also captained the team to a thrilling 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Jamaica, following a 2-2 draw in regular time.
Reflecting on his journey, Simon shared his gratitude and determination:
“Actually, I feel great. I’m proud of myself and the people back home who kept pushing me, telling me ‘I can do it,’” Simon said. “I’ve faced a lot of criticism in many games: he’s a striker, sometimes he’s a defender, but I just keep going.”
Simon revealed that he was unaware of reaching his 80th appearance until informed by those around him:
“I didn’t even know it was my 80th appearance until a few people called and told me. They said, ‘You’ve been playing for so long with the national team but you’re still playing like you just arrived.’ Honestly, I’m proud of myself.”
Born on July 12, 1995, in Jos, Nigeria, Simon made his international debut on March 25, 2015, in a friendly against Uganda. Since then, he has become a mainstay in the national team, contributing significantly over the years.
In addition to his national team achievements, Simon has been a consistent performer for FC Nantes in France’s Ligue 1, recording eight goals and 10 assists in 35 appearances during the 2024–25 season.
As the Super Eagles prepare for upcoming fixtures, including a friendly against Russia and the World Cup qualifiers, Simon’s experience and leadership are expected to be invaluable assets to the team.
Simon’s journey from his debut to his 80th cap stands as a testament to his dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to representing Nigeria at the highest level.
