Super Eagles winger Moses Simon has stressed that Nigeria’s strength lies in collective teamwork rather than individual brilliance, despite the growing media focus on star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman ahead of today’s crucial AFCON 2025 quarter-final clash against Algeria in Marrakech.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Simon acknowledged the quality of Nigeria’s headline acts but was quick to emphasise that success at the tournament depends on the entire squad pulling in the same direction.
“It’s a team effort. Before anyone scores, someone else gives the pass,” Simon said. “Of course, Osimhen and Lookman are top players. They’ve won African Best Player awards and we are proud to have them, but football is about the whole team working together.”
He also brushed aside any talk of revenge against the Fennecs, insisting the Super Eagles are focused solely on progression.
Moses Simon dismissed suggestions that Nigeria are motivated by memories of their 2019 AFCON semi-final defeat to Algeria.
“First and foremost, we don’t have anything about revenge in our mindset,” he added. “We just want to play our game. We are a team that works every day to progress and to win because of our mentality.”
Simon also highlighted the rising competitiveness of African football, warning against underestimating any opponent at the tournament.
“There are no small teams and no big teams anymore,” he noted.
“Every African team is strong now and they have progressed a lot. You can see how competitive this tournament has been.”
Citing recent upsets, he added: “Tunisia are one of the best teams in Africa and they were knocked out. That shows how tough this competition is.”
Nigeria and Algeria square off later today at 17:00 GMT, with a place in the AFCON 2025 semi-finals on the line, as two continental heavyweights renew their rivalry.
The winner will progress to the Semi Final where the host, Morocco is waiting after dispatching Cameroon 2-0 on Friday night.
