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Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has spoken with clear admiration about Moses Simon, pointing out the qualities that have made the Paris FC winger a key figure for Nigeria, footynaija.com reports.
Although Simon was not always the first name on the team sheet at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with Ademola Lookman frequently taking the starting role, Chelle made it clear that the former Nantes star remains essential to how Nigeria functions in attack.
The 30-year-old featured from the start only against Uganda and Egypt, yet his tactical value, according to the coach, goes far beyond match minutes.
Missed supporting the Super Eagles so we went to cheer Moses Simon’s Paris FC pic.twitter.com/FWH3GUgQy6
— Nathan (@OIuwatosin) January 25, 2026
Moses Simon’s long-standing presence at AFCON also reveals his importance to the national side. With 23 appearances at the tournament, he now trails only a handful of Nigerian legends, including Joseph Yobo, Nwankwo Kanu and Vincent Enyeama.
In an interview with RMC Sport’s After Foot, Chelle described in detail why Simon offers something different on the flank.
“Moses Simon is a powerful left winger; that is what he brings to the team,” Chelle said. “He is good in 1v1 and 2v2 situations. In Nigeria, we often play with a diamond. When we drop deeper, we switch to a flat 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1, and he often gives us stability on the wing and width in our play.
“When you play through the wings, the opposition’s block shifts inside, and then you can stretch the play back out wide with Simon, Chukwueze or Ejuke.”
Chelle also reflected on Simon’s move to Paris FC last summer after six years at Nantes. The winger made a bright start in the capital but has found consistency harder to come by in recent weeks, something the coach attributes to changes in tactical demands.
Top Man. Moses Simon 91st🧢🤜🏽 pic.twitter.com/TvrfWAiNnA
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) December 30, 2025
“I watched some Paris FC matches at the beginning of the season. He had a good start when he arrived. When he played at Nantes, the play was often directed towards him.
“The game plan was to move the ball to the wings and put Moses Simon in 1v1 situations. At a new club, there is a different philosophy, where he has to move more centrally before receiving the ball. It is a bit complicated.
“I am happy with what he is doing for the national team.”
Even with fluctuating club form, Simon’s Ligue 1 record continues to set him apart, with 40 assists, the most by any Nigerian in the competition, and 36 goals placing him among the league’s most successful Nigerian attackers.
