Super Eagles need ‘clear goal’

The familiarity of working under Kombouare at Nantes is in sharp contrast to Simon’s experience with Nigeria. Since his debut in 2015, he has witnessed numerous coaches come and go, with only Gernot Rohr and Jose Peseiro having any semblance of longevity. The latter’s departure earlier this year has left a void that has yet to be filled permanently.

“The coach knows the ability [and] the character of the players. He knows how he can attack the game.“But when today is this and tomorrow is different, it’s a little bit more complicated. We all want someone that can be there longer.”Amid the turnover of coaches, Simon has been with the senior side for almost a decade.

With over 70 caps, he is now in Nigeria’s all-time top 10 for appearances alongside the likes of Super Eagles legend Jay-Jay Okocha, but refuses to compare himself to a player who “gave love to the people” .

“You can play 200 caps or 300 but trust me, Jay-Jay Okocha is Jay-Jay Okocha,” Simon said, smiling.

“What he has given Nigerian and African football; it will be difficult for someone else to do.”

Simon was just 19 when he received his maiden call-up and remembers that first chance to represent his country with pride.

“Most of the members were guys that I was looking up to, watching them on TV,” he added.

“It was crazy. I felt like crying and still feel really blessed to be part of that.”

“It’s not my goal to be among the top 10 or to play 100 games. I just want to make my family proud.”

While qualifying for the 2025 Afcon has gone smoothly so far, Simon and his team-mates did endure being stranded at an airport overnight ahead of a qualifier in Libya last month.

The Super Eagles subsequently boycotted the fixture in protest at their treatment and were awarded a 3-0 win by the Confederation of African Football, a decision Libya are appealing.

Simon is unwilling to relive the experience – choosing instead to look ahead to the upcoming fixtures against Benin and Rwanda.

“There’s a fighting spirit in the group and everybody wants to play,” he said.

“The most important thing is to qualify for the Afcon.”

Simon also hopes he can also inspire his club to improve on their 14th-place finish last season. Nantes last won the Ligue 1 title in 2001 and count Didier Deschamps, Marcel Desailly and Claude Makelele among a glittering list of former players.

“This is a historic club – you can feel it from the atmosphere,” said an optimistic Simon.

“I would love to be in the top five again. This is what the supporters and the president wants, and the players too.”