Nigeria and Nantes star Moses Simon wins award ahead of Super Eagles’ clash against Benin Republic

Super Eagles winger Moses Simon has been named the Nantes Player of the Month for August, adding to his impressive return to form after a long injury layoff, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigerian international clinched the award following a strong start to the Ligue 1 season, scoring crucial goals for his club.

Nantes confirmed Simon's achievement on their official website, stating:

“You have designated Moses Simon, scorer against AJ Auxerre and on the Mosson pitch in Montpellier, as the ‘Canary of the Month' for August 2024!”

The 28-year-old forward earned 43% of the fan votes, finishing ahead of teammates Alban Lafont, Matthis Abline, and Nathan Zézé.

Simon will officially receive his award ahead of Nantes' next home match against Stade de Reims on Sunday, September 15, 2024.

His strong start to the season follows a difficult period where he was sidelined for the second half of the last campaign due to injury.

The Nigerian winger had been in scintillating form before his injury, helping Nigeria reach the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where they narrowly lost 2-1 to hosts Ivory Coast.

Unfortunately, that AFCON final marked Simon’s last appearance of the season, as injury kept him out of action for Nantes.

However, the former Levante star has returned in superb form, contributing significantly to his team’s early victories with two goals in three league games in August.

His goals led Nantes to wins over Auxerre and Montpellier, and the only game he did not score in ended in a goalless draw with Toulouse.

Simon’s return couldn’t have come at a better time for Nigeria, who face Benin Republic in a 2025 AFCON qualifier this Saturday.

The Super Eagles struggled without Simon, managing just one win from four matches.

With Simon back in the squad, Nigeria will be looking to avenge their 2-1 defeat to Benin in June and get their AFCON qualifying campaign off to a strong start.