Moses Simon shares emotions over Russia 2018 World Cup miss with Nigeria

By Saheed Afolabi

Nigeria winger, Moses Simon said he was disappointed on missing out of Nigeria squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Simon felt devastated for missing out on the 2018 edition but is keen to make appearance at the global stage come 2026.

And the Nantes forward believes he deserved to be part of the team to the World Cup due to the number of qualifying matches he played for Nigeria preceding the 2018 mundial.

“In 2018, at first, I felt really sad. I played all the qualification games, I started and I finished [the matches]. But in the end, I didn’t go to the World Cup,” Simon told FIFA.com.

“It’s something I would not wish on my worst enemy. I was really devastated. But not any more. Now, I just think: ‘OK, I thank God for everything because I know that it’s for a reason.

“It [not going to the 2018 World Cup and or qualifying for Qatar 2022] motivated me to keep working hard. I want to play in the next World Cup, it’s a dream.

“I just need to do my best, push and work hard. If the coach calls me, good. If he doesn’t and calls up someone else, I will be happy to support them.”

The Super Eagles have started poorly in the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with two points from two matches.