I was hungry, Usor speaks on match-winner

Super Eagles winger, Moses Usor

Moses Usor has described the feeling of scoring on his Super Eagles debut as difficult to put into words, after his solo winner sealed a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Uyo on Friday.

The LASK forward, a graduate of the 36 Lion academy, was introduced as a second-half substitute with Nigeria still level at 1-1 in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. He drove forward on a lengthy individual run before slotting home the winning goal to hand Eric Chelle’s side all three points at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

“It is hard to put into words. When the coach told me to go on, he just told me to go out there and show what I can do. Once I got the ball, I backed myself. Seeing it go in on my Nigeria debut, with our fans there in Uyo, I will never forget that night,” Usor told Footy-Africa.

Rather than nerves, the 24-year-old said he felt driven by the moment.

“I was not nervous, I was hungry. The team needed a moment, and I wanted to be the one to give it to them. I have waited for this chance my whole career, so I just told myself: this is your moment, take it.”

Usor was quick to credit the academy that developed him. “Everything. 36 Lion made me. They believed in me when I was just a young boy with a dream. I know there was celebration at the academy tonight.

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This goal is for them, for the coaches, and for every young player still grinding there,” he said.

The night carried added significance beyond his own milestone, as teammate Moses Simon earned his 100th Super Eagles cap in the same match. Usor, who shares a first name with the veteran winger, said he hopes to follow a similar path.

“I want to be like Moses Simon, his consistency, his humility, his commitment to the team over so many seasons. It is special to share the name Moses and go through this night with him. Getting to 100 caps for Nigeria is a massive achievement,” he said.

He was, however, careful not to get carried away by a single moment. “Now it is about work. One goal does not make a career. I want to stay humble, keep learning from the senior players, and keep fighting for my shirt. I want Nigerians to know I am here to give everything,” he added.

Usor’s introduction came in the 61st minute, and he struck four minutes later, driving from inside his own half before finishing calmly. The goal capped a strong start to the season for the forward, who has three goals and five assists in 12 appearances for LASK, after registering 15 goals and 10 assists in 35 appearances last season as the Austrian club secured a first domestic double since 1965.

Attention now turns to Nigeria’s second Group L fixture against Guinea-Bissau in Bissau on Tuesday, September 29.