Simon leads Nigerian goal providers in Europe
Nantes forward Moses Simon is the leading Nigerian player in terms of assists this season, having made eight in the 2024/25 campaign plus seven goals which have taken him to his best-ever goal contribution tally in Europe, NewsNGR Sports Extra reports.
The winger scored his seventh goal of the season on Sunday during their 3-2 loss against Le Havre while his eighth assist came during their 1-0 win against Lille before the international break.
Simon leads the way among other Nigerian players in Europe, followed by reigning African Player of The Year Ademola Lookman with five assists and Alex Iwobi with four.
The 29-year-old is in his sixth season with the Canaries and has turned up with his best goal contribution for the club this term, netting seven times and setting up his teammates eight times.
The Nigerian has been very instrumental to the team having contributed 49 per cent of the 31 goals scored in the Ligue 1 this season.
Before now, his best return was six goals and eight assists in the 2021/22 season. Last season, his performance was hampered by an injury he sustained in March, he had three goals and five assists in 22 league games.
With seven games to go this season, the winger could well extend his numbers.
In the Ligue 1 this season, only PSG’s Bradley Barcola, Dilane Bakwa of Strasbourg and Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, who all have nine assists have provided more goals than Simon.
For the umpteenth time in his career at Nantes, the Nigerian is playing the lead role for the Canaries in the French Ligue 1, as his goal contributions put his head and shoulders above the rest of his teammates this season.
He is club’s the joint-top scorer with Matthis Abline while the closest person to him in terms of assists is Brazilian midfielder Douglas Augusto with three assists.
Antoine Kombouaré’s side have struggled with relegation for most of the season but Simon’s impressive form has seen them climb to 13th in the table and three points away from safety.
Personally, the player also ranks among the best dribblers in Europe, currently behind Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku and Real Madrid Star Vinicius Junior.
Since joining them in 2020, he has been one of the club’s most influential players guiding them to a Coupe de France title in 2022 to help the French club claim their first trophy in 2022 years.
The Nigerian has been touted for bigger moves in Europe, but the Canaries are glad to have been able to further keep him until 2026 after his initial four-year deal.
“Simon has chosen to extend his adventure at FC Nantes until 2026. The Nigeria international has become one of the cogs in the locker room over the seasons,” Nantes said when the player extended his contract in 2023.
“Attached to the club and eager to continue the adventure in this Nantes jersey, number 27 of Yellow and Green will continue to bring his experience to the group and bring the La Beaujoire audience to their feet!”
He will hope to continue adding to his numbers when they face Nice on Friday.
