Simon says Sudan first, title talk later

Moses Simon of Nigeria during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Afcon Finals Nigeria press conference at Roumde Adjia Stadium in Garoua, Cameroon, on 14 January 2022 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

by Staff Reporter

Friday Jan 14, 2022. 21:00

Moses Simon says they are solely focusing on Saturdays penultimate Group D date against Sudan despite the early AFCON 2021 title buzz following the Super Eagles victory over Egypt.

Simon shined in the opening Group D heavyweight battle against record seven-time champions Egypt on January 11 in which he made a statement with an assist for Kelechi Ineahacho to score in Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over The Pharaohs.

“We are taking each and every game one step at a time. It is too early to claim we are going to win it,” Simon said at Friday’s prematch press conference before Saturdays date against Sudan.

“Of course we can but we are focusing on Sudan.”

Victory over Sudan would see the three time AFCON champions join hosts Cameroon in the last 16 with a match to spare.

Meanwhile, Simon, of French Ligue 1 club Nantes, thanked interim Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen for giving him the freedom of pression on the pitch after lighting up their Group D opener against Egypt.

“Yes, it was one of my best games in the last two years. You know, we have a different coach so every coach has his own mentality on how to play,” Simon said.

“With the current coach, he gave me the freedom to play the way I do for the club and I believe it has helped me a lot and helped the team as well.”