Simon 'not worried' about Nigeria's 2026 World Cup hopes

Moses Simon (right) made his senior debut for Nigeria in March 2015

Nigeria are on the brink of booking a place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), but winger Moses Simon is refusing to consider the prospect of the Super Eagles failing to reach the 2026 Fifa World Cup despite a poor start to qualifying.

The West Africans are languishing in fifth place in their six-team group with just three points from their opening four matches.

Simon missed June’s fixtures, a draw with South Africa and loss to Benin, through injury but is "not worried" about Nigeria’s hopes when the campaign resumes next year - even though only the group winners are guaranteed a spot at the finals in North America.

"We have the quality, we have what it takes to win," the 29-year-old told BBC Sport Africa.

"We don't believe that we are not going to the World Cup.

"The last qualifying games, we missed regular players and I believe they'll be there next year to help the team."

For the Jos-born Nantes attacker, the stakes feel particularly high.

Absent from the 2018 World Cup through injury, he played in both legs of the play-off against Ghana for the 2022 tournament which the Black Stars won on away goals.

"I was part of those fights but I didn't make it, so I want to play the next one," he said.

"I believe this is my last [chance] so I have to do my best to take it."

Feeling 'at home' in Nantes

Simon first joined French club Nantes on loan in 2019

Simon, who clocked up his 150th appearance in France's Ligue 1 in September, has been in impressive form this season and appears to be showing no ill-effects of the broken leg that kept him out for several months earlier this year.

The winger has played some of his best football at Nantes under coach Antoine Kombouare, who has recently returned for a second spell in charge.

"He's like a father," Simon explained.

"He tries to make everyone feel at home. The most important thing for a coach is when you give a player confidence to play."

After spells in Slovakia, Belgium and Spain, Simon is in his sixth season at Stade de la Beaujoire and is relieved to have recovered from what he describes as "the worst injury" of his career.

"It is not easy when you are out with such an injury and come back," he added.

"I try to push harder to be better than last season.

"I love it here and feel love from the supporters, the president, the club, my team-mates. I feel at home."

Super Eagles need 'clear goal'

Nigeria have had three coaches this year: Jose Peseiro, Finidi George and the incumbent Augustine Eguavoen

The familiarity of working under Kombouare at Nantes is in sharp contrast to Simon’s experience with Nigeria.

Since his debut in 2015, he has witnessed numerous coaches come and go, with only Gernot Rohr and Jose Peseiro having any semblance of longevity.

The latter's departure earlier this year has left a void that has yet to be filled permanently.

When asked if he wished Peseiro, who led the side to the final of the 2023 Afcon, had remained as coach, Simon replied: "For me, I would say of course yes.

"But I'm not the one that decides. It is the federation. My choice is just to play."

Nigeria are one win away from qualifying for next year's Nations Cup under current interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, but Simon wants a long-term appointment made.

"You will have the team with a clear goal," he outlined.

"The coach knows the ability [and] the character of the players. He knows how he can attack the game.

"But when today is this and tomorrow is different, it's a little bit more complicated. We all want someone that can be there longer."

'Blessed' to represent Nigeria

Simon was part of the Super Eagles squad which finished as runners-up at the 2023 Afcon earlier this year

Amid the turnover of coaches, Simon has been with the senior side for almost a decade.

With over 70 caps, he is now in Nigeria's all-time top 10 for appearances alongside the likes of Super Eagles legend Jay-Jay Okocha, but refuses to compare himself to a player who “gave love to the people”.

"You can play 200 caps or 300 but trust me, Jay-Jay Okocha is Jay-Jay Okocha," Simon said, smiling.

"What he has given Nigerian and African football, it will be difficult for someone else to do."

Simon was just 19 when he received his maiden call-up and remembers that first chance to represent his country with pride.

"Most of the team were guys that I was looking up to, watching them on TV," he added.

"It was crazy. I felt like crying and still feel really blessed to be part of that.

"It’s not my goal to be among the top 10 or to play 100 games. I just want to make my family proud."

Striving for progress

Simon has scored two league goals for Nantes this season

While qualifying for the 2025 Afcon has gone smoothly so far, Simon and his team-mates did endure being stranded at an airport overnight ahead of a qualifier in Libya last month.

The Super Eagles subsequently boycotted the fixture in protest at their treatment and were awarded a 3-0 win by the Confederation of African Football, a decision Libya are appealing.

Simon is unwilling to relive the experience - choosing instead to look ahead to the upcoming fixtures against Benin and Rwanda.

"There's a fighting spirit in the group and everybody wants to play," he said.

"The most important thing is to qualify for the Afcon."

Simon also hopes he can also inspire his club to improve on their 14th-place finish last season.

Nantes last won the Ligue 1 title in 2001 and count Didier Deschamps, Marcel Desailly and Claude Makelele among a glittering list of former players.

"This is a historic club - you can feel it from the atmosphere," said an optimistic Simon.

"I would love to be in the top five again. This is what the supporters and the president wants, and the players too."