One More Appearance: Moses Simon Stands on the Brink of Super Eagles Century
Moses Simon is one appearance away from joining Nigerian football’s centurion club.
The Nigeria Football Federation says the Super Eagles winger has reached 99 senior international appearances and will be honoured if he features against Madagascar in Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo.
It would mark a significant milestone in a senior international career spanning more than a decade.
Simon made his Super Eagles debut on March 25, 2015, and the NFF credits him with 12 goals in 99 appearances entering Friday’s match.
More than a number
A 100th appearance would underline the durability of a player who has remained part of Nigeria’s senior setup across multiple coaches, qualification campaigns and major tournaments.
According to the NFF, Simon has featured in 64 competitive internationals and 35 friendlies, including 23 AFCON finals matches and 22 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Those numbers make the milestone more than a ceremonial statistic.
They reflect a long period of availability and relevance in a national team that has changed significantly around him.
From first cap to centurion territory
The NFF also highlighted one of Simon’s early competitive contributions while announcing the planned recognition.
During Nigeria’s 2018 World Cup preliminary qualifying campaign against Swaziland, Simon scored directly from a free-kick in the return leg in Port Harcourt as the Super Eagles moved towards the next stage of qualification.
It was an early sign of the role he would continue to occupy: not always the loudest figure in the squad, but often a player trusted in competitive matches.
Friday gives the milestone real weight
The timing gives the occasion extra significance.
Nigeria are not playing a testimonial or a low-pressure friendly.
They host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Friday in their opening AFCON 2027 qualifier, with Eric Chelle’s side under pressure to begin the campaign with three points.
That means Simon’s potential 100th appearance would come inside a match that already matters.
For the winger, the evening therefore carries two possible rewards: a personal milestone and the chance to help Nigeria start qualification with a win.
A place in Nigeria’s long-service class
Reaching 100 appearances would place Simon among a select group of Nigerian internationals to cross that threshold.
The NFF has described him as a long-serving and dedicated member of the national team, and its planned recognition in Uyo reflects the significance attached to the achievement.
The final step, however, still has to happen on the pitch.
Simon is on 99.
If Chelle uses him against Madagascar, the number changes.
And with it, another chapter in a Super Eagles career that has lasted more than a decade.
One appearance separates Moses Simon from 100 caps.
Friday could turn longevity into history.
