Official: Moses Simon ruled out of season due to Injury sustained in Mali vs Nigeria clash
French Ligue 1 club Nantes have officially revealed that Super Eagles forward Moses Simon has been ruled out of the season following an injury he sustained in Nigeria’s 2-0 loss to Mali on Tuesday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Simon was one of the senior players called up to the national team camp for the international friendly games with Ghana and Mali. He featured in the first game against the Black Stars, getting 19 minutes of action in Nigeria’s 2-1 win.
However, coach Finidi George started him in the second game against Mali. Unfortunately, the night did not go as planned. Simon had to be helped off the pitch in the 33rd minute after a collision with the goalkeeper. Despite the treatment from the Super Eagles coaching staff, he could not continue. He was eventually replaced by Cyriel Dessers, but Nigeria lost the game 2-0.
But this should have been a penalty to Nigeria 🇳🇬.
That was a BIG foul on Moses Simon.
Quick RECOVERY @Simon27Mosespic.twitter.com/aZzlS5NI4k
— MR OLAWALE QUADRY 🇳🇬 (@QualityQuadry) March 27, 2024
After the game, coach Finidi confirmed that Simon had been taken to the hospital to ascertain the extent of the injury.
Moses Simon injury looks serious, he’s in tears. Rushed to the hospital.
Let’s say a prayer for Simon. Get well soon Simon. You will come back stronger. pic.twitter.com/xnefWd5lxT
— Adepoju Tobi Samuel 🇳🇬 (@OgaNlaMedia) March 26, 2024
In a new development, Nantes have now revealed that Simon fractured his fibula.
The injury will keep Simon sidelined for at least three months, effectively ruling him out of the Nantes’ season. Also, in a further blow for Nigeria, the 28-year-old winger will miss the 2026 World Cup qualifiers game against South Africa.
The injury comes at a very bad time for Nantes, because they currently sit 16th in the Ligue 1 and are in danger of relegation. Simon already has 22 league appearance for Nantes this season, and with eight games left until the end of the season, coach Antoine Kombouare will have to find a replacement.
