Nigeria's Moses Simon: Focus, Not Revenge, Drives AFCON Dream

Nigeria's Super Eagles are heading into their AFCON quarterfinal against Algeria with their eyes on the prize, not the past. Star winger Moses Simon made it clear that despite losing to Algeria in the 2019 semifinals, revenge isn't part of the game plan.

"We don't have anything about revenge in our mindset. We just want to play," Simon told reporters at the pre-match press conference in Morocco. The 30-year-old Paris FC player emphasized that his team's strength comes from daily dedication and winning mentality, not old grudges.

Simon also pushed back against the idea that North African teams have an edge over Nigeria. His reasoning is simple: the competitive respect goes both ways.

"I cannot tell you the North African teams are teams that are giving us trouble because we, too, are a team that gives them trouble," he explained, pointing to Nigeria's recent 3-2 victory over Tunisia during the group stage as proof. Tunisia ranks among Africa's strongest national teams, making that win even more significant.

The veteran winger sees something bigger happening across African football. Competition has intensified, and traditional hierarchies are dissolving.

"You can see every African team now; they are good, and they have progressed a lot," Simon said. "There are no small teams, and there are no big teams anymore."

His perspective reflects the growing parity in African football, where underdogs regularly challenge traditional powerhouses. This shift makes tournaments like AFCON more unpredictable and exciting for fans across the continent and beyond.

Simon was on the field when Nigeria fell to Algeria five years ago, so this match carries personal significance. But rather than dwelling on that loss, he and his teammates are channeling energy into preparation and mental fortitude.

The quarterfinal represents more than a single game for Nigeria. It's a chance to demonstrate how far the team has come and to prove that consistent work beats emotional motivation every time.