Super Eagles winger Moses Simon focuses on victory, not revenge against Algeria in the AFCON quarter-finals. Read more now.
Super Eagles winger Moses Simon has insisted Nigeria is not seeking revenge for their 2019 AFCON semi-final defeat to Algeria. They are simply focused on winning Saturday’s quarter-final clash in Marrakech, Urhobo Daily reports.
“That (2-1 defeat against Algeria in 2019 AFCON) is in the past.” Simon spoke at the pre-match press conference on Friday.
“We want to win today (Saturday), this is not just trying to win, and we hope we can do it.”
Simon is one of eight players on the current Super Eagles squad who were in Egypt in 2019. During that time, Algeria stopped Nigeria with a stoppage-time free-kick goal by Riyad Mahrez. The defeat denied the Super Eagles their place in the final. Nevertheless, they went on to claim the bronze medal.
The Paris FC winger dismissed suggestions. He argued that North African teams do not pose special problems for Nigeria. Recent results serve as evidence of the Eagles’ ability to compete with the continent’s best.
“I can’t tell you that the North African teams are giving us problems. We, too, are a team that gives them problems,” he added.
“I think… we beat the Tunisian team. Of course, the Tunisian team is one of the best in Africa. This is not the time to discuss individual teams. Every team is really good in this competition.”
He was 30 years old and also part of the Super Eagles team. This team denied Algeria a 2018 World Cup ticket. He is uniquely placed to understand the rivalry between the nations.
“We don’t have anything about revenge in our mindset. We just want to play. We are a team that works every day to progress and to win due to the mentality,” he added.
Simon appreciated the partnership between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. He described it as the best in the AFCON. It was a key reason for Nigeria’s success in Morocco.
“Yes, we play for them,” he said. “They’re the two best players on the African continent. This was true at different times in 2023 and 2024.”
“There is no time for who is the best or not the best. We are the best as a team, and we just want to win.”
Both teams have won their first four matches in Morocco, with Nigeria scoring 12 goals and Algeria conceding just one. One team will lose this enviable winning run. They will battle for the right to reach the semi-final on Saturday at 5 pm.
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