AFCON

AFCON 2021: ‘I’m not Ronaldo or Messi’- Simon hits back at his critics

The Nantes attacker was impressive in Nigeria’s win over Egypt, but he was criticised by some section of Nigerian fans over his lack of end product 

Super Eagles winger Moses Simon has hit back at criticism levelled at his performance in Nigeria’s clash against Egypt last Tuesday.

Simon was one of Nigeria’s best players in the 1-0 win over Egypt in the team’s Group D 2021 Africa Cup of Nations opener.

The Nantes winger was a menace down the left flank in the minutes he played and had a hand in Ihenahacho’s winner.

However, despite his impressive performance, he still came under criticism for his delivery and lack of end product in the final third.

Simon’s crosses were below par in the game while he also fluffed his lines in promising positions. It is a performance that has been associated with Simon’s time in the Super Eagles, with just five goals in 45 appearances.

But the 26-year-old has defended his contribution in the final third, saying he is not Messi or Ronaldo.

“I’m not Ronaldo or Messi, and I’m not perfect, but we will always assist the team, Simon said ahead of Nigeria’s second group game against Sudan.

Nonetheless, the former Levante winger will hope to add a goal or an assist to his performance when the Super Eagles take on the Falcons of Jediane.

 

Joba Ogunwale

Oluwajoba Ogunwale has many years of experience as a sports content writer. The most recent of these was at Opera News, after which he took up the role of Editor-in-Chief at Soccernet.

Share
Published by
Joba Ogunwale

Recent Posts

Photo: Calvin Bassey makes priceless reaction as Iwobi scores Puskás-worthy goal against Wolves

Fulham defender Calvin Bassey was full of admiration for Alex Iwobi’s spectacular goal in their… Read More

48 minutes ago

Portuguese gaffer praises Iwobi’s brilliance but rues misfortunes in Fulham’s defeat to Wolves

Fulham manager Marco Silva praised Alex Iwobi’s sensational first-half strike but expressed frustration at the… Read More

1 hour ago

Obiogumu bags hat-trick in Germany; Osimhen, Akintola shine in Turkey; Tella, Tolu, Onyedika impress

Soccernet.ng monitored dozens of games involving Nigerian footballers across Europe. Here are the key highlights… Read More

2 hours ago

Exciting Nigerian forward finally opens PSG account with a brace in 7-goal thriller in France

Super Falcons star Jennifer Echegini finally opened her Première Ligue account with a stunning display… Read More

3 hours ago

WATCH: Ademola Lookman’s strike sends Atalanta top of Serie A

Ademola Lookman played a pivotal role as Atalanta moved to the top of the Serie… Read More

3 hours ago

“Victor is good”- Ex-Chelsea star Batshuayi relishes partnership with Osimhen at Galatasaray

Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi is relishing his partnership with Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, following… Read More

14 hours ago