Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle is happy with how Moses Simon played, calling the Paris FC player a strong left winger.
Simon was placed lower than Ademola Lookman in the list of top wingers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and Simon only played in two matches during the tournament in Morocco.
The 30-year-old was included in the starting lineup for the group-stage match against Uganda and the third-place playoff against Egypt, with Chelle deciding to let several important players rest.
In an interview with RMC Sport’s After Foot last Friday, Chelle talked about Simon’s skills and how important he is tactically.
He said, “Moses Simon is a powerful left winger, and that’s the main thing he contributes to the team. He does well in one-on-one and two-on-two situations. In Nigeria, we usually play with a diamond.
“When we play deeper, we use a flat 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1 formation, and he usually helps us keep stability on the wing and add width to our play.
“When you play through the wings, the opposing team’s defense moves toward the center, and then you can spread the play back out to the sides using Simon, Chukwueze, or Ejuke.”
After six years at Nantes, Simon joined the capital club Paris FC last summer and signed a three-year contract.
The winger had a great beginning in the capital, making four goal contributions in his first seven games in Ligue 1.
Chelle thought about Simon’s time at the club and said that the winger started the season very well at Paris FC.
“I watched some Paris FC games at the start of the season. He began well when he got there. When he played in Nantes, the play usually focused on him. The plan was to move the ball to the sides and get Moses Simon into one-on-one situations.
“At a new club, the approach is different, and he needs to move more towards the center before getting the ball. It is a bit complicated. I am happy with what he is doing for the national team,” he said.
Moses Simon was used majorly as a substitute by Eric Chelle at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
