Moses Simon journey from a disciplined upbringing in a Nigerian army barracks to captaining the Super Eagles is nothing short of extraordinary.
Born in 1995 to a military father, Simon’s early years instilled in him a sense of discipline that has defined his career, which he recently discussed in an exclusive interview with FIFA.
Read Also: Nigeria’s Unassailable Legacy: A Glimpse Into Unbroken Records Of African Women’s Football
At the age of 18, Simon embarked on a journey to the Netherlands, aiming to secure a spot with Ajax reserves during pre-season training.
Despite facing setbacks, such as not being retained by the Amsterdam club, the winger’s resilience led him to Slovakian side AS Trencin.
The move proved challenging, particularly adapting to the winter conditions, but Simon’s hard work and discipline paved the way for a successful career.
Subsequent stints at Gent and Levante further enriched Simon’s experience, with a notable achievement being the Belgian championship he won with Gent.
His journey led him to French Ligue 1 side Nantes in 2019, where he clinched the Coupe de France in 2022, adding another feather to his cap.
The 28-year-old not only excelled in club football but also showcased his talent on the international stage.
Simon made his mark at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Turkey 2013™ and played a crucial role in the subsequent edition in New Zealand.
However, despite participating in World Cup qualifiers for Russia 2018 and being part of the provisional squad, injury prevented him from realizing his dream.
Undeterred, Simon’s determination remains unshaken as Nigeria aims to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Despite a challenging start with two consecutive draws in the CAF qualifying campaign, Simon, who recently captained the team against Zimbabwe, remains hopeful about the Super Eagles’ prospects.
Reflecting on his journey, Simon acknowledged the challenges and setbacks but emphasized the motivation they provided.
Missing out on the 2018 World Cup and the disappointment of not qualifying for Qatar 2022 fueled his resolve to work harder.
Now, with the captain’s armband proudly worn in a recent match against Zimbabwe, Simon expressed gratitude for the honour and acknowledged the weight of leading his nation.
As Moses Simon looks ahead to the future, he shares valuable advice with his younger self, emphasizing the importance of proving oneself at 19 and respecting those around you.
With dreams of playing in the next World Cup in 2026, Moses Simon’s story serves as an inspiration, embodying the spirit of discipline, determination, and unwavering pursuit of football excellence.
