Moses Simon: Eric Chelle’s worries grow as Nantes reveal fresh troubles for Super Eagles star

Nigeria international Moses Simon is a major doubt for FC Nantes’ Ligue 1 clash against Lille this weekend, raising fresh concerns for new Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, Soccernet.ng reports.

Simon, Nantes’ most productive player this season with 13 goal contributions, is racing against time to regain fitness before Saturday’s crucial match at Stade de la Beaujoire.

Lille, chasing a Champions League spot, will face a Nantes side battling to stay clear of the relegation zone. Currently 14th with 24 points—just three points above the drop zone—Nantes are under pressure, especially after last week’s 1-0 home defeat to Strasbourg.

Nigeria Super Eagles and Nantes forward Moses Simon. Photo Credit X

Recent history does not favour Nantes, as they have failed to beat Lille in their last 18 Ligue 1 meetings since September 2015. Les Dogues have dominated the fixture, outscoring Nantes 33-11 during that period.

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Moses Simon’s injury management

Simon has been a key player for Nantes this season, scoring six goals—including three openers—and providing a club-high seven assists.

Nigeria and Nantes star, Moses Simon. Photo Credit X

However, his fitness remains a concern. He played only the final 20 minutes against Strasbourg, and it has now emerged that the club is carefully managing his condition.

The winger suffered a fractured fibula last March, which sidelined him for over four months. In December, he underwent surgery to remove screws implanted during his recovery, but he continues to experience discomfort.

Nigeria Super Eagles and Nantes, Moses Simon. Photo Credit X

Nantes manager Antoine Kombouaré admitted Simon missed several training sessions this week and remains under close monitoring.

“He hasn’t trained all week. He stayed in the gym on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday but completed today’s session. His ankle is still hurting. There’s obviously some concern. We’re managing it, but for him, it’s complicated,” Kombouaré said as per Ouest-France.

It’s always Moses Simon pic.twitter.com/Fsbby0ujIW

— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) February 23, 2025

Moses Simon concerns for Super Eagles ahead of international break

A Moses Simon injury could pose a major headache for Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle ahead of Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe next week.

Nigeria Super Eagles stars Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon. Photo Credit X

The 28-year-old has been included in Chelle’s final 23-man squad, but his fitness remains uncertain.

Chelle has already lost Bayer Leverkusen winger Nathan Tella to injury, opting to replace him with Gent defender Jordan Torunarigha. Another setback for Simon would leave Nigeria short on wide attacking options.

Currently, Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze are the only natural wingers left in the squad, though Fulham’s Alex Iwobi can deputize on the flanks.

Semi Ajayi, Moses Simon, Calvin Bassey for Nigeria Super Eagles. Photo by IMAGO

Meanwhile, Nigeria remains well-stocked in attack, with Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Umar Sadiq, and Tolu Arokodare leading the frontline.

Should Chelle require reinforcements, Kano Pillars’ Ahmed Musa and Sevilla’s Chidera Ejuke are on standby for a late call-up.

For now, Chelle will be hoping Simon gets through Nantes’ clash with Lille unscathed.