Moses Simon: The Agatu boy giving all Nigerians joy in AFCON

In the face of adversity in Agatu Local Government Area, Benue State, where Fulani herdsmen bring tears and sorrow, Moses Simon emerges as a source of joy for Nigerians in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.

Hailing from Obagaji, Moses Simon stands as the driving force in the Super Eagles squad, propelling them to the semifinals of the competition.

The winger’s contributions include crucial assists for two vital goals, earning him the prestigious Man of the Match award on two separate occasions.

In a recent match, Simon displayed a Moses-like feat, parting the Red Sea with a sublime cross that led to a goal by Ademola Lookman.

Journey of Moses Simon: From Obagaji to AFCON Glory
Born in Jos, Simon’s journey began at the famed GBS Academy, the same institution that produced Nigerian football stars like Ahmed Musa. Despite being linked with clubs around the world, including Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, Simon faced setbacks during his early years, including a pre-contractual agreement with Dutch club Ajax that fell through.

However, his resilience led him to Slovakian club AS Trenčín before making a significant impact at Belgian side Gent. Simon played a pivotal role in Gent’s historic national Championship title in 2015, showcasing his talent and versatility on the field.

His European adventure continued as he joined Spanish La Liga side Levante in 2018 and later moved to Ligue 1 club Nantes in 2019, where he extended his contract until 2026 in December 2023.

International Rise and Contributions
Simon received his first call-up to the Nigeria national team in 2015 under coach Daniel Amokachi, making his debut in an international friendly against Uganda. Since then, he has become a key player, scoring goals and representing Nigeria in major tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations.

Despite injuries keeping him out of the 2018 World Cup, Simon made a comeback in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, contributing to Nigeria’s squad alongside other notable Idoma land stars like Ogenyi Onazi, Tony Ujah, and coach Daniel Amokachi, all part of the victorious Eagles’ squad.

In a poignant twist, Agatu, a region marred by sorrow, now sees one of its own bringing pride and joy to the nation on the football pitch. Moses Simon’s journey reflects not just personal triumph but also a symbol of hope and inspiration for Agatu and Nigeria as a whole.