NFF To Honour Moses Simon As Super Eagles Star Closes In On 100th Cap

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has concluded plans to honour Super Eagles forward Moses Simon if he makes his 100th senior international appearance against Madagascar in Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo.

Simon, who made his Super Eagles debut on March 25, 2015, has earned 99 caps for Nigeria and scored 12 goals during his decade-long international career.

The Nantes forward will become only the latest Nigerian player to reach the 100-cap milestone if he features against the Barea at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

The 29-year-old has been involved in 99 matches for the Super Eagles, recording 49 victories, 30 draws and 20 defeats.

Of those appearances, 64 have come in competitive matches, while 35 were in international friendlies.

Simon has also featured 23 times for Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations finals and played in 22 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

One of the memorable moments of his early international career came during Nigeria’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign against Swaziland, now Eswatini.

After the first leg ended goalless in Mbabane, the Super Eagles needed a victory in the return leg in Port Harcourt to progress to the next stage of the qualifying race.

With the match heading towards its closing stages, Simon produced a decisive moment, scoring directly from a 22-yard free-kick to put Nigeria on course for a 2–0 victory.

The NFF has described the winger as a committed servant of Nigerian football and is preparing to recognise his contribution as he approaches the century mark.

Acting NFF General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, praised Simon for his commitment to the national team and described him as both an outstanding player and an exemplary individual.

“I can testify that Moses Simon is an incredible player and a wonderful human being, having related with him at close quarters for several years,” Ikpeme said on Thursday.

“He is a patriot to the core, and forever passionate and dedicated to the Nigeria cause.

“The NFF celebrates him on this special occasion and wishes him many more caps with the Super Eagles.”

Simon has remained a regular presence in the national team since making his debut, featuring across several Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifying campaigns.

His potential milestone comes as Nigeria begin their bid to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with Éric Chelle’s side hosting Madagascar in Uyo on Friday.

A place in the Super Eagles’ starting line-up or a substitute appearance would take Simon to 100 caps and put him among an exclusive group of Nigerian centurions.

The milestone would cap a decade of international service for the versatile forward, who has established himself as one of the experienced members of the current Super Eagles squad.