Three Super Eagles stars clashed in one of the toughest fixtures of the weekend, but Les Merlus had the final laugh on the day
Super Eagles star Moses Simon scored for Nantes, but it was not enough, as they fell to a 3-2 defeat against Terem Moffi's Lorient.
Simon got his first start in four games for Nantes when they traveled to Stade du Moustoir. For Lorient, Moffi and Bonke got the nod to start.
Nantes took the initiative very early in the game through Ignatius Ganago, who headed in Quentin Merlin's cross to make it 1-0 after 13 minutes.
However, their lead did not last, as Dango Ouattara restored parity in the 19th minute. After the goal, both teams reduced their intensity, but the tackles started flying in. Simon was shown a yellow card in the 40th minute after a poor tackle.
Lorient started the second half all guns blazing, and they got rewarded after just 15 minutes. Yoanne Cathline got on the end of a pass from Gedeon Kalulu and fired into the top right corner.
Moffi had a decent game, but he was taken off in the 74th minute for Ibrahima Kone.
Nantes piled up the pressure late in the game, searching for a way back. And Simon came in handy, getting a touch on Ganago's wicked shot which whizzed past Yvon Mvogo in the Lorient goal.
However, that was all Nantes could muster, as Lorient held out for the 3-2 victory.
The loss leaves Lorient fourth on the Ligue 1 table, with 16 points after seven games. While Nantes sit 15th with six points after seven games.
