- Super Eagles winger Moses Simon reiterates his commitment to FC Nantes despite interest from top European clubs
- Simon has registered 31 goals and 34 assists in 167 Ligue 1 appearances for Nantes
- Notably, the Nigerian star is yet to play in a World Cup despite earning 72 caps for his country
While many footballers chase the glitz and glamour of playing for Europe’s elite clubs, Nigerian winger Moses Simon has remained loyal in his commitment to regular relegation candidates FC Nantes.
Despite proving himself as one of the most consistent wingers in Ligue 1, the 29-year-old has resisted moves to bigger clubs, prioritising happiness over ambition.
Since joining Nantes in 2019, initially on loan from Levante, Simon has played a crucial role in the club’s survival in the French top flight. His permanent transfer for €5 million the following summer proved to be a bargain, as he quickly became one of their most decisive players.
With 31 goals and 34 assists in 167 league appearances, Simon has attracted interest from clubs such as Barcelona, Villarreal, Monaco, OGC Nice, and Nottingham Forest, according to recent reports.
However, he remains unfazed by the speculation, choosing to stay where he feels most comfortable.
"When you love your club, you stay," Simon gushes over Nantes
Speaking to L’Equipe, Simon revealed that his decision to stay at Nantes is driven by contentment rather than ambition,
“Why don’t I play in a bigger club? But when you love your club, when you get on well with everyone, you can stay, so it’s not a problem,” he said.
Despite knowing that a move to a bigger club could elevate his career, Simon is content with his current situation,
“For now, in my head, I’m happy here. You can be in a bigger club, not play, and not be happy. Playing in the European Cup, of course, is something I’ve already experienced, but if it doesn’t come… My job is Nantes, after that I don’t know.”
This season, Simon has been Nantes' most productive player, recording six goals and seven assists in 21 Ligue 1 matches, the highest goal involvement in the squad. His contributions have once again helped keep Nantes above the relegation zone.
While he remains loyal to his club, Simon has unfinished business on the international stage.
World Cup dream: Will 2026 be Moses Simon’s year?
Simon has represented Nigeria 72 times, scoring nine goals since making his debut in 2015. However, he has never played at a FIFA World Cup.
In 2018, he was a key figure in Nigeria’s qualification campaign but suffered an injury just before the tournament in Russia. In 2022, the Super Eagles failed to qualify after a heartbreaking playoff loss to Ghana.
With the 2026 World Cup in USA, Canada, and Mexico, Simon sees this as potentially his last chance to play on the biggest stage.
“I also hope to play in a first World Cup in 2026. In 2018, I was injured, and in 2022, we didn’t qualify,” he said.
However, Nigeria’s qualifying campaign is in jeopardy, having failed to win any of their opening four matches.
With crucial games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe this month, Simon’s experience and quality could be important in reviving Nigeria’s fading hopes. Will Moses Simon finally get his long-awaited World Cup appearance? Only time will tell.
Super Eagles’ Simon Moses scores in Nantes first win of the season
Previously, TheRadar reported that Super Eagles winger, Moses Simon, made a triumphant return to the pitch, helping Nantes to a 2-0 victory over Auxerre in the French Ligue 1 on Sunday, August 25.
Simon, who has recently recovered from a season-ending injury sustained in March during an international friendly against Mali, marked his comeback with a stunning goal in the 14th minute.
