Ademetan Abayomi says focus on Friday’s comfortable win over Seychelles quickly moved from Odion Ighalo and Henry Onyekuru to the deserving Moses Simon aka “Nigerian Ronaldo”.
Before Nigeria’s game with the Pirates the focus was on two forwards whose names will always be firmly associated with goals abroad.
Moses Simon used to be the first choice winger but along the line he lost his place in the team. Injury didn’t allow him to make the cut to the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
His move to Levante wasn’t quickly sorted out and that made the Super Eagles team a no-go area for him.
The tricky winger reminded fans of his quality with a brilliant goal against Seychelles at the Stephen Keshi Stadium on Friday.
The 22-year-old has often been seen as a wide player whose role is to supply others, but on Friday he showed his own potential in front of goal, for latching on to Jamilu Collins’ pass.
The goal that Simon scored himself then demonstrated rediscovered and indeed improved on confidence in front of goal. Simon often scores by cutting inside from the flank.
His goal on Friday was majestic, that more identifiable with another player. His overall performance showed he may have more chances in Nigeria’s attack in the near future.
Will he become a key player for Nigeria once again? He’s still just 22.
Tuesday’s relatively clash against Egypt presents Rohr with an opportunity to give Simon a start. In this form, he might start him.
