2027 AFCONQ: I Never Thought I’d Play 100 Games For Super Eagles — Simon

Moses Simon has said he never thought he would reach 100 caps for Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

Simon made his 100th appearance for the Super Eagles, after he was introduced on 61 minutes for Akor Adams, in Friday’s Group L, matchday 1 2027 AFCON qualifier with Madagascar in Uyo.

Goals from debutants, George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor, secured a 2-1 comeback win for the Super Eagles.

After the game, Simon was presented with a special frame which has a Super Eagles jersey with his name and 100 on the back.

Speaking in the post-match presser, the 31-year-old thanked everyone who played a huge role in helping him reach a century of appearance for Nigeria.

“First of all I would like to say thanks to the coach for the opportunity, thanks to every coach that gave me this opportunity and also thanks to you all the journalists,” he said.

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“Of course, this gave me joy and it’s a great privilege to play for the Super Eagles, it’s a dream come true, I never believe I will be there, I never believe I will play 100 games but I just believe one thing whenever I’m called up I will be there to give my 100 percent.”

On the secret to reaching 100 caps for the Eagles, Simon added:”The secret to my 100 caps is my family my friends, Nigerians, journalists because when I see the passion you journalists have for football I’m ready to give everything.”

Simon received his first call-up to the Super Eagles by legendary forward Daniel Amokachi in March 2015 and made his debut on the 25th of the same month in an international friendly against Uganda, when he replaced Anthony Ujah after 59 minutes in the game.

He scored his first goal for Nigeria in an international friendly against Niger Republic on 8 September 2015, the second in a 2–0 win (he has 12 goals for the Eagles).

In May 2018, he was named in Nigeria’s preliminary 30-man squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. However, he did not make the final 23 due to injury.

The former Nantes star has featured at four AFCONs with the Super Eagles- 2019, 2021, 2023 and 2025.