AFCON 2021 fallout: ‘Hurt’ Moses Simon sends heartfelt message to Super Eagles fans

The Nantes star was Nigeria’s most exciting star at the championship, but the Carthage Eagles tamed him on Sunday

Nigerian forward Moses Simon has penned an emotional message to fans of the Super Eagles following the team’s abrupt ouster from the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

Tipped by many as a candidate for the latter stages of the competition after their brilliant group stage campaign, the Super Eagles suffered a shock round of 16 loss to Tunisia on Sunday.

Youssef Msakni’s second-half strike was all the Carthage Eagles needed to dump ten-man Nigeria out of the 33rd edition of the Nations Cup.

Nigerian fans, who were already dreaming of a fourth continental triumph after the Super Eagles comfortably won each of their first three matches in Garoua, were disappointed by the shock exit.

Many supporters took to social media to vent their anger and frustration, with some blaming President Buhari, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, playmaker Alex Iwobi and interim coach Austin Eguavoen for the unfortunate result.

But through his official Twitter account, Simon, who was among the best players of the group stages, has opened up about how hurt the defeat has left him since Sunday evening.

The winger confessed that the Super Eagles were willing to give their all to ensure victory over the North Africans, but it was unfortunate the way the match ended.

The 26-year-old, however, promised the team’s fans that the Super Eagles would overcome the setback and return stronger while applauding the supporters for their support.

Simon’s tweet reads: “Last night defeat hurts badly. We had D support of our passionate fans and stepped on D pitch to defend our nation with all our hearts. Sadly, it did not end D way we wanted. As a team we win together, lose together and will come back stronger again; thanks for Ur support.”

Securing qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup could help the Super Eagles’ fans heal from the disappointment of Cameroon 2021.

Nigeria have been drawn against bitter rivals Ghana in the final qualifying playoff round slated for March, with the aggregate winner over two legs joining four others to represent Africa in Qatar later in the year.