Paris FC of France winger, Moses Simon has come out with a revelation about three ‘secret factors’ that made it possible for him to get 100 appearances for Nigeria’s national team – saying it was through support from his family, friends and journalists.
Sports247 reports that the former AS Trenčín of Slovakia, KK Gent of Belgium, Levante of Spain and FC Nantes of France made the disclosure after receiving a commemorative framed jersey from officials of Nigeria Football Feeration (NFF) and National Sports Comission (NSC).
Simon, who played for the under-20 national team, Flying Eagles from 2013 to 2015 and has 12 goals at senior level, disclosed further that all coaches he has played under in the Eagles and Nigerian football fans also played key roles in helping him reach the centenary milestone.
The dark-skinned attacker, who already owns a vastly popular football academy in Kaduna, added that he never imagined that he would get 100 caps with the national, which he achieved as a 61st minute substitute against Madagascar on Friday.
The 31-year-old winger retorted with glee, “First of all I would like to say thanks to the coach for the opportunity. Thanks too to every coach that gave me this opportunity and also thanks to all the journalists. Of course, this gave me joy.
“It’s a great privilege to play for the Super Eagles. It’s a dream come true. I never believed that I will be there. I never believed that I will play 100 games. I just believe one thing – whenever I’m called up, I will be there to give my 100 percent.
“The secret to my 100 caps is my family, my friends, Nigerians and the journalists (who give us publicity at home and abroad). When I see the passion journalists have for football, I’m ready to give everything.”
Sports247 reports further that Simon, who is a product of GBS Academy, the same football centre in Plateau State that produced Ahmed Musa, was born in Jos and his father served in the Nigerian Army before his retirement.
Simon was initially linked with Kaduna United in the Nigerian league as well as Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur of England, but signed a pre-agreement with Ajax Amsterdam of Netherlands on May 10th, 2013, with a view toawards joining them to join them fully after featuring in pre-season training.
However, after a couple of appearances in friendlies with Ajax, the Dutch club decided on July 25th, 2013 that they would not sign him, which paved the way for his move to AS Trenčín of Slovakia, which was at that time owned by a former player of the Amsterdam giants, Tschen La Ling.
Simon got his Super Eagles’ debut under ex-international striker and assistant head coach, Daniel Amokachi on March 25th, 2015 in a friendly against Uganda, when he replaced Anthony Ujah after 59 minutes, then scored his first goal for Nigeria against Niger Republic on September 8th, 2015 in another build-up game.
