Ligue 1: Moses Simon shines as Nantes survive relegation, Moffi scores again

Super Eagles forward Moses Simon scored and assisted for Nantes as they claimed a handsome 3-0 win over Ligue 1’s weeping boys Montpellier, Soccernet.ng reports.

Simon returned to action for Nantes in the final game of the season on Saturday. The Yellow Canaries needed a win to be sure of safety in the French top-flight, and Simon turned on the screws and produced a big performance to help his side through in what was his 200th Ligue 1 appearance.

Moses Simon scores in his 200th Ligue 1 appearance ‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/JkG2OoxE3f

— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) May 17, 2025

Moses Simon honored and celebrated by Nantes today after reaching 200 matches in the Ligue 1 for them. pic.twitter.com/xyxstuBi8M

— Ghana Naija Ballers (@GHNaijaBallers) May 17, 2025

Nantes took charge of the game quite early, as Simon won a penalty in the 16th minute while trying to weave out an opportunity. The Super Eagles star took charge of the responsibility and calmly dispatched the ball into the bottom-left corner of the net to make it 1-0.

Then, 13 minutes later, Francis Coquelin doubled Nantes’ lead. He found some space in front of the box and struck a shot which found its way into the net.

Super Eagles star Moses Simon (Photo credit: Imago)
Montpellier huffed and puffed, but they failed to scored. Then, in the 79th minute, Nantes got their third, and Simon was the architect.

After some nice attacking play, he sent a low cross to find Matthis Abline who was lurking in the area. The Frenchman simply nudged the ball into the net from close range to make it 3-0.

NEW RECORD!

Nantes’ Moses Simon is the first Nigerian player on record to reach double figures in assists in a regular season of any of Europe’s top-five leagues pic.twitter.com/tUMKZ7kJwM

— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) May 17, 2025

It eventually ended that way, with Nantes preserving their place in Ligue 1.

Terem Moffi scores first Ligue 1 goal after 389 days
Nices forward 9 Terem Moffi and Reimss midfielder 24 Mory Gbane – French Ligue 1 football match (Photo credit: Imago)
The past year has been torrid for Terem Moffi, as he sustained a nasty anterior cruciate ligament injury last year.

He just returned to action some weeks ago, and his game time has been limited, as he continues to chart his way back to his best form.

Moffi started from the bench for Nice when they played hosts to Brest at the Allianz Riviera. Champions League-chasing Les Aiglon made light work of Brest, as they scored three goals in the first half, courtesy of Evann Guessand, Gaetan Laborde, and Badredine Bouanani.

Moffi was introduced into the game in the 78th minute, three minutes after Laboorde scored the fourth for Nice.

It took him five minutes to get on the scoresheet, as he was played through on goal by Sofiane Diop. He then rounded up the goalkeeper and nudged the ball into the net to make it five.

Même après 8 mois de blessure Moffi est toujours aussi fort #OGCNice pic.twitter.com/AqpM1wODtA

— (@La_Melooow) May 17, 2025

Ali Abdi scored the sixth goal for Nice in stoppage time. The win sealed the club’s fourth-place finish－the Champions League qualification spot in Ligue 1.

Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu is a writer with many years of experience covering sports events in Nigeria and abroad. He is fueled by his love for the job, and is dedicated to delivering captivating stories.