Super Eagles winger Moses Simon has dismissed any talk of revenge ahead of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash with Algeria, insisting the team’s focus is firmly on winning, not settling old scores.
Speaking at Friday’s pre-match press conference in Marrakech, Simon addressed memories of Nigeria’s painful 2–1 semi-final defeat to Algeria at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt — a match decided by Riyad Mahrez’s dramatic stoppage-time free kick.
“That is in the past,” Simon said. “We want to win tomorrow. We are not talking about revenge.”
Simon is one of eight players in the current Super Eagles squad who experienced that defeat in 2019, when Nigeria were denied a place in the final before later securing the bronze medal.
No fear factor, no excuses
The Paris FC winger rejected the idea that North African teams pose a unique problem for Nigeria, pointing to recent head-to-head results as proof that the Super Eagles can match any side on the continent.
“I cannot tell you that North African teams give us trouble,” he said. “We also give them trouble. We beat Tunisia — one of the best teams in Africa.”
Tournament form and key numbers
Saturday’s quarter-final brings together two of the competition’s most in-form sides. Nigeria have won all four of their matches in Morocco, scoring 12 goals, while Algeria arrive with a formidable defensive record, having conceded just once across the same run.
One of those perfect records will end when the teams meet at 5pm on Saturday, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.
Osimhen–Lookman partnership under the spotlight
Simon was quick to highlight the influence of Nigeria’s attacking duo Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, describing their partnership as the standout combination of the tournament.
“They are the two best players on the continent at different times in 2023 and 2024,” Simon said.
“But there is no time for who is the best. We are the best as a team.”
What it means
Victory would push Nigeria into the AFCON semi-finals and reinforce their status as one of the tournament’s most balanced sides — blending attacking firepower with growing tactical discipline. For Algeria, ending Nigeria’s perfect run would signal another deep title challenge.
For Simon and the Super Eagles, however, the message is simple: history is acknowledged, but the mission is firmly focused on the present — win, progress, and keep the dream alive. IDNN NOBLE
