Serie A: Simy Sends Gernot Rohr Clear Message Ahead Afcon Qualifiers

The Italy-based striker has not seen his name pop up often in the recent discussion about the best Nigerian forwards in Europe, but he is giving his all to stay relevant in the national picture

Simeon Simy Nwankwo smashed in a brace – a first-half penalty and a simple finish after the break – to inspire Crotone to a stunning 4-2 home victory over Torino in a Serie A clash on Sunday afternoon.

After an initial period dominated by the visitors, Simy got the game rolling from the penalty spot just before the half-hour mark. 

Torino’s Cristian Daniel Ansaldi handled a goal-bound Junior Messias header, prompting the referee to whistle for a spot-kick after VAR intervention.

Simy stepped up to blast past Salvatore Sirigu in the visitors’ goal with 27 minutes played at the Stadio Ezio Scida. 

The Nigerian forward then restored the home side’s lead ten minutes after the break – pouncing on a loose ball in the box – to make it 2-1 after Rolando Mandragora equalised for Torino just before the interval. 

It is the Super Eagles striker’s ninth and tenth Serie A goal of the campaign, making him one of the highest-scoring Nigerian in Europe.

That haul is eight better than Victor Osimhen has managed for Napoli since his summer switch from Ligue 1 to the Serie A. And five more than Taiwo Awoniyi has smashed for Union Berlin in the Bundesliga.

Yet, both strikers are being considered for invitations to the Super Eagles for the meetings against the Benin Republic and Lesotho later this month ahead of the Crotone forward.

Simy would, however, hope that his current form, as well as injuries to certain key personnel, could convince Rohr to extend him an invitation for Nigeria’s Afcon engagements in March.