Nigeria Players Abroad
Nantes manager praises Moses Simon for incredible injury return

By Monsurah Olatunji
Nantes manager Antoine Kombouaré has lauded Nigerian winger Moses Simon for his remarkable recovery from injury.
Despite a challenging season last year, where Simon was a leading assist provider in Ligue 1, his campaign was cut short by injury. This setback also kept him out of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers against Benin Republic and South Africa.
Returning to fitness, Simon impressed Kombouaré by not only making a comeback but also scoring in Nantes’ 2-0 win over Auxerre on Sunday.
Kombouaré acknowledged Simon’s vital role in the team, noting his contribution of strength and energy on the pitch.
“We were close to thinking he might not start the season,” Kombouaré told reporters, according to the Tribune Nantaise. “He struggled through preseason with pain, but he started to feel better just days before the match.”
Kombouaré emphasized that Simon’s past performances, which made him a key player, must be matched by continued effort this season.
“Simon is a player who brings significant value, but he must prove himself again this season. What he did previously was commendable, but we need to start afresh,” he added.