Super Eagles winger Moses Simon is a major doubt for FC Nantes’ crucial Ligue 1 clash against Lille this weekend, a setback that could also impact the Super Eagles ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Simon, Nantes’ top performer this season with 13 goal contributions (six goals, seven assists), is in a race against time to regain fitness before Saturday’s fixture at Stade de la Beaujoire.
Lille is pushing for a Champions League spot, while Nantes is battling to stay above the relegation zone. Currently 14th in Ligue 1 with 24 points—just three clear of the drop zone.
Despite his influence on the team, Simon’s recurring injury issues remain a concern. The winger played only 20 minutes in the loss to Strasbourg, and reports indicate that Nantes is managing his condition cautiously.
Simon playing for the Super Eagles against Libya. (Photo Credit Imago)
Simon suffered a fractured fibula last March, which sidelined him for over four months. In December, he underwent surgery to remove screws from his recovery process, but he continues to experience discomfort.
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Nantes manager Antoine Kombouaré confirmed that Simon missed multiple training sessions this week and is under close medical supervision.
“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 told Ouest-France.
Simon’s uncertain fitness is a growing concern for Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle ahead of Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe next week.
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Nigeria has already lost Bayer Leverkusen winger Nathan Tella to injury, forcing Chelle to call up Gent defender Jordan Torunarigha as a replacement. If Simon is ruled out, the Super Eagles will be short on natural wingers.
Currently, Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze are the only fit wingers in the squad, though Fulham’s Alex Iwobi can also play out wide if needed.
