Reported by Simon Daniel Yusuph l Journalist at Weng Global
Moses Simon has reached a major milestone in his international career after making his 100th appearance for Nigeria as the Super Eagles defeated Madagascar 2-1 in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match in Uyo on Friday.
Simon’s landmark appearance places him among a select group of Nigerian footballers to have reached a century of senior international caps.
The achievement was reached at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, where Nigeria began its campaign for qualification for the 2027 AFCON with a comeback victory over Madagascar. Match reports confirm the Super Eagles won 2-1.
Simon Reaches the Century Mark
The Paris FC winger entered the Madagascar match with 99 appearances for the Super Eagles, having made his senior international debut against Uganda on March 25, 2015.
His 100th appearance completes more than a decade of service to the Nigerian national team.
Before reaching the milestone, the Nigeria Football Federation had announced plans to honour Simon if he featured against Madagascar. The federation described the winger as a dedicated servant of the national team and highlighted his long record of appearances across competitive and friendly matches.
Simon had accumulated 64 competitive appearances and 35 international friendlies before Friday’s match. He had also represented Nigeria 23 times at Africa Cup of Nations finals and featured in 22 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.
Joining Nigeria’s Exclusive 100-Cap Club
Simon now joins the small group of Nigerian players who have reached 100 senior international appearances.
The group includes Ahmed Musa, Joseph Yobo, Vincent Enyeama and Alex Iwobi. Iwobi reached the milestone earlier in 2026 during Nigeria’s friendly against Portugal.
Simon’s achievement therefore represents another significant milestone for a player who has remained part of the Super Eagles setup across several generations of the national team.
His international career has included appearances under multiple coaches and participation in major tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations.
A Decade of Service to Nigeria
Simon first appeared for Nigeria as a teenager when he replaced Anthony Ujah during the second half of the friendly against Uganda in March 2015.
One of his early memorable moments came during Nigeria’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign against Swaziland, now Eswatini.
After the first leg ended goalless, Simon scored directly from a free-kick in the return fixture in Port Harcourt as Nigeria secured a 2-0 victory. The NFF highlighted the goal when announcing plans to recognise his 100th appearance.
Over the years, Simon has featured at AFCON tournaments and in World Cup qualifying campaigns while establishing himself as one of the more experienced attacking players in the Super Eagles squad.
NFF Praises Simon’s Contribution
Ahead of the Madagascar match, NFF Acting General Secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme praised Simon’s contribution to Nigerian football.
Ikpeme described the winger as a dedicated national-team player and said the federation was pleased to celebrate the milestone.
The NFF had also announced that Simon had recorded 49 wins, 30 draws and 20 defeats in his first 99 appearances for Nigeria.
The federation’s recognition of the milestone reflects Simon’s sustained involvement with the national team since his debut more than 11 years ago.
A Milestone Arrived With a Victory
Simon’s 100th appearance came on a significant night for Nigeria beyond the individual achievement.
The Super Eagles opened their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar, giving Eric Chelle’s side three points in Group L.
The result provides Nigeria with a positive start to a qualifying campaign in which the team is seeking a return to the continental tournament.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to face Guinea-Bissau in their next Group L qualifying fixture on September 29, according to the Nigeria Football Federation’s fixture announcement.
For Simon, however, the immediate significance is personal: his 100th appearance has placed his name alongside some of the most experienced players in Nigeria’s international football history.
What Simon’s Milestone Means
Reaching 100 senior international appearances is a statistical landmark that reflects longevity and continued selection at the highest level.
For Simon, it also represents more than 11 years of involvement with the national team, spanning different coaches, squads and competitions.
His journey has included AFCON campaigns, World Cup qualifying matches, international friendlies and crucial qualifying fixtures.
With Nigeria now beginning another AFCON qualification campaign, Simon remains part of a squad seeking to secure another appearance at Africa’s premier international tournament.
His century of appearances also comes shortly after Iwobi reached the same landmark, meaning Nigeria has added two members to its 100-cap group in 2026.
What Happens Next
The focus now shifts from Simon’s individual milestone to Nigeria’s wider AFCON qualification campaign.
The Super Eagles will travel to Guinea-Bissau for their next qualifying fixture on September 29, with the team aiming to build on the opening victory over Madagascar.
For Simon, the 100th appearance marks another chapter in his international career, while his continued involvement gives Nigeria another experienced option as the team pursues qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Weng Global – stories beyond borders
Sources
- Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)
- PUNCH
- Voice of Nigeria
- Pulse Sports
- THISDAY
