Nigerian winger Moses Simon has been celebrated for reaching a significant milestone in his career with French Ligue 1 club FC Nantes. The 29-year-old, who has been a standout player for the Canaries, made his 150th appearance in the French top flight during a 1-1 draw against Angers this past Sunday. The match, held at Stade Raymond Kopa, saw Simon set up teammate Johann Lepenant for the opening goal in the 18th minute, further solidifying his importance to the team.
This assist marked Simon’s 29th in a Nantes jersey, surpassing the record previously held by the late Emiliano Sala. Sala, a beloved figure at the club, tragically passed away in a plane crash at the age of 28, making Simon’s achievement a poignant moment in the club’s history. The Nigerian international’s contributions have not only cemented his place in the hearts of Nantes fans but also in the annals of the club’s legacy.
Simon has had a strong start to the 2024-25 season, already registering two goals and two assists in his first five appearances for Antoine Kombouaré’s side. His performances have drawn praise from across the league, with Ligue 1 taking to social media platform X on Tuesday to recognize Simon’s accomplishments, calling him “indispensable” to FC Nantes. This acknowledgment highlights just how central Simon has been to the team’s success since his arrival.
A product of the GBS Academy in Nigeria, Simon first arrived at FC Nantes on loan from Spanish club Levante in August 2019. His performances during that loan spell impressed the club’s management, leading to a permanent move the following year. Since then, Simon has become a key figure at the Stade de la Beaujoire, consistently delivering strong performances both as a playmaker and a goal-scorer.
Simon’s influence on the pitch has not gone unnoticed. In addition to his 29 assists, he has scored 27 goals during his time with Nantes, further underscoring his versatility and attacking prowess. His ability to create opportunities for his teammates, combined with his knack for finding the back of the net, has made him one of the most valuable players in Ligue 1. Whether driving forward on the wing or delivering pinpoint crosses into the box, Simon has become a consistent threat to opposing defenses.
His journey to this point has been marked by determination and resilience. Having started his professional career in Europe with Slovakian club AS Trenčín before moving to Belgian side KAA Gent, Simon’s move to France has seen him mature into one of the continent’s top wingers. His success with Nantes has also mirrored his international career, where he has been a regular for Nigeria’s Super Eagles, representing his country in major tournaments such as the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup.
As Simon continues to make history at FC Nantes, his legacy is one of both individual brilliance and team contribution. His record-breaking assist tally and his consistent performances have set a high standard for future players at the club. For Simon, this milestone represents not only a personal achievement but also a testament to his hard work and dedication to the game. As the 2024-25 season unfolds, fans and teammates alike will be looking to Simon to lead Nantes in their pursuit of success, both domestically and in European competition.
With many years still ahead in his career, Moses Simon’s story is far from finished. However, his journey with Nantes has already left an indelible mark on French football, and his contributions to the club will be remembered for years to come. For now, Simon remains focused on helping Nantes climb the Ligue 1 table, while continuing to build on his impressive legacy in the sport.
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