Super Eagles winger, Moses Simon has played down revenge narratives, dismissed talk of fear, and insisted that Nigeria’s sole objective is victory, as the Super Eagles prepare to face Algeria in today’s AFCON 2025 quarter-final clash scheduled for Saturday evening, 5pm.
Speaking at Nigeria’s official pre-match press conference in Marrakesh, Simon addressed a wide range of issues, from;
- past heartbreaks against Algeria,
- motivation within the squad,
- young players’ hunger,
- friendships across the divide, and
- Nigeria’s impressive form at the tournament.
“We Want to Win” – Moses Simon
Asked whether the magnitude of the Nigeria–Algeria fixture would serve as extra motivation for the Super Eagles, Simon left no room for doubt.
“Of course, we are aware. I was there also when they kicked us out in the semi-final.”
“Obviously, different players, different mindset. And at the same time, different players for building this up,” Simon said.
“I would call it the past. Because now we are in the present.”
The Nantes winger stressed that Nigeria’s current squad is driven by ambition rather than history.
“A lot of young players want to make a name for themselves. Of course, we are there. We are motivated.”
“We want to win. We are not going to try to win. We want to win. This is our goal. And we hope we will have it.”
“No Revenge in Our Mindset” – Moses Simon Clears a Tense Air
Nigeria suffered a painful AFCON 2019 semi-final loss to Algeria, coincidentally, Moses Simon was part of the squad in the tournament.
Both countries have not met eachother in any competition asides the women national team. Hence, the Super Eagles of Nigeria haven’t gotten a revenge, till now, this evening, in Marrakech, Morocco.
However, the winger has spoken that revenge is not part of the Super Eagles’ thinking.
“First of all, I would say that we don’t have anything about revenge in our mindsets,” he stated.
“We just want to play. We are a team that work every day to progress and to win. Due to the mentality.”
Simon rejected the notion that North African teams consistently dominate Nigeria.
“So, I cannot tell you the Algerian teams, the North African teams, are teams that are giving us trouble,” he said.
“Because we two here are teams that are giving them trouble. Because we just kicked them out.”
He added that African football has evolved to a point where no team can be underestimated.
“Every team is really good in this competition. You can see every African team now.
They are good and they progress a lot. So, there is no small team and there is no big team anymore.”
Simon Speaks On Facing Former Teammate, Iman Kebbal
Simon also spoke warmly about Algerian midfielder, Iman Kebbal, whom he knows personally from their time together at club level.
“Of course, Iman is a good guy. He’s a good player. He’s technically sound. And he’s my friend since I arrived to the club,” Simon said.
“He was there to help me also, which I appreciate him.”
However, friendship will be set aside once the whistle blows.
“Of course, it’s a different game. We are teammates. When it comes to this, if I can tackle him, I can tackle him. It’s part of the game,” he added.
“If this guy makes us win the game, this is what I have to say.”
Nigeria Seeks Perfect Record (Road to Finals)
Nigeria are the only team at AFCON 2025 to have won all four matches in 90 minutes, a statistic Simon believes is rooted in collective effort rather than individual brilliance.
When asked about Algeria’s strengths and weaknesses, Simon tactfully declined to reveal details.
“I brought this message to the coach. From the players. But if I tell you their weakness, you will hear,” he said with a smile, prompting laughter in the room.
Read More: AFCON 2025: Everything Eric Chelle Said Ahead of Super Eagles’ Quarterfinals vs Algeria Clash
Read More: “Focus, Avoid Distractions” – Mikel Obi Warns Super Eagles Ahead of Algeria Quarter-Final Clash
Read More: “They Were Never Going on Strike” – Ighalo Explains Super Eagles AFCON Bonus Saga
“It’s a Team Game – Not About Two Players”
Responding to questions about focus on star names within the squad, Simon redirected attention back to unity.
“But first, it’s a team. It’s a team play. We are all a team. Of course, we are united as you can see,” he explained.
“Before they score, someone gives them the ball to score.”
“Of course, I feel great. I feel happy for them. For me, I would say, yes, of course, we play for them,” Simon said.
“There is no time for who is the best and who is not the best. The most important thing, the teams are the best.”
“We all are the best. We just want to win.”
