Moses Simon says he is devastated to have missed two World Cup tournaments with the Super Eagles.
The 28-year-old was poised to feature at the 2018 edition in Russia but missed out on the final squad selection due to injury while the national team failed to make to the 2022 edition in Qatar after losing to Ghana on away goals in the playoffs.
Despite the disappointment, Simon has his sights set on making it to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
“In 2018, at first, I felt really sad. I played all the qualification games, I started and I finished [the matches]. But in the end, I didn’t go to the World Cup,” Simon told FIFA.Com as per CAF Online.
“It’s something I would not wish on my worst enemy. I was really devastated. But not any more. Now, I just think: ‘OK, I thank God for everything because I know that it’s for a reason.’ It [not going to the 2018 World Cup and or qualifying for Qatar 2022] motivated me to keep working hard.
“I want to play in the next World Cup, it’s a dream. I just need to do my best, push and work hard. If the coach calls me, good. If he doesn’t and calls up someone else, I will be happy to support them.”
Simon captained the Super Eagles in their last fixture against Zimbabwe in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers and described the experience as a “big honour” having never captained a team in his football career at both club and international level.
“First of all, I have to thank the coach for that,” the Jos-born player continued. “Then, I want to thank the players for the respect they give me. To be the captain of your nation is a big honour, but it is not easy. It’s not the same as being captain in your club. You carry the whole nation, so you have to be a strong leader.
“I’m really happy that I captained Nigeria and, even if I’m told that I won’t be the captain any more, I’m still grateful for the opportunity. Football has taken me all the way to captaining the Super Eagles! I had never, ever been the captain of even the Academy where I came from, so it meant so much.”
✍️ Contrat prolongé avec le FC Nantes jusqu’en 2026 ! ????
Je suis heureux et fière de continuer à porter nos couleurs. ????????
Merci aux supporters de faire que chaques match soit une experience unique.
J’ai hâte de voir ce que le futur nous réserve ????????. pic.twitter.com/nP7H7xCjSE— MSimon27 (@Simon27Moses) December 22, 2023
Simon’s career began in Nigeria at the age of 18 with GBS Academy in Lagos before moving to Trencin in Slovakia followed by stints in Belgium and Spain with Gent and Levante respectively before finally settling at French Ligue 1 side Nantes where he has been since 2020 and just extended his contract until 2026.
He concluded by offering advice to upcoming players, encouraging them to show their talent while also respecting coaches and other senior figures.
“I would just say: you can do more. At 19, it is the time you need to prove to the world that you are one of the best players,” Simon stated.
“If you can put this in your head, you will make it for sure. You will go further than where you are now. Just keep working. Also, respect the people around you. Respect your coaches. Listen to what they say, this is key.
“Don’t argue with your leader or with anyone that is older than you and that has seen it all before you. Listen and understand, and you will go far.”
Simon is part of the provisional 40-man squad that will be participating at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, his third tournament after outings in 2019 and 2021.
