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Moses Simon has expressed his desire to represent Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup for the first time in his career as he eyes what could be his final opportunity to feature at football’s biggest tournament, Footynaija.com reports.
The 29-year-old winger made his international debut in 2015 and has since earned 72 caps and scored nine goals for the Super Eagles. Despite being a consistent figure for Nigeria over the years, the forward is yet to grace the global stage.
Simon was on course to make Nigeria’s squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, having played a key role in the qualification campaign under former head coach Gernot Rohr. However, a thigh injury sustained during training ruled him out of the tournament, shattering his hopes of a maiden World Cup appearance.
Four years later, the Nantes star was denied another chance to fulfill his dream as the Super Eagles missed out on a place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar following their playoff defeat to Ghana.
No player has more Ligue 1 assists than Moses Simon this season.
— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) February 15, 2025
Nantes’ maestro pic.twitter.com/1UEB6bRmCh
With the 2026 World Cup set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Simon remains hopeful of finally achieving his long-held ambition.
“I also hope to play in a first World Cup in 2026. In 2018, I was injured, and in 2022, we didn’t qualify,” Simon told L’Equipe, as quoted by Foot01.
Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the tournament, however, are hanging by a thread after failing to win any of their opening four qualifiers. The Super Eagles will need to reignite their campaign in must-win clashes against Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month – fixtures where Simon’s experience and quality could prove crucial.
The former Levante star has been with Nantes since 2019, initially joining on loan before the French club made the move permanent for €5 million the following summer.
Despite consistent standout performances, Simon has stayed loyal to Nantes amid links to bigger clubs – a decision he says is down to happiness over 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,” Simon said.
“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 it, but if it doesn’t come… My job is Nantes, after that I don’t know.”
Moses Simon, a game changer pic.twitter.com/ecld6wn7rr
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) February 15, 2025
Simon has been one of Nantes’ brightest sparks this season, contributing six goals and seven assists in Ligue 1 – the highest goal involvement in the squad.
The Super Eagles star will be hoping to maintain his fine form as he looks to help Nigeria turn their World Cup qualifying campaign around and finally fulfil his dream of playing on football’s grandest stage.
