Moses Simon has spoken of his immense pride after sharing the pitch with Benjamin Fredrick, a player nurtured through his football academy, during Nigeria’s Unity Cup final clash against Jamaica.
Fredrick, who earned his first senior cap for the Super Eagles in the high-stakes fixture, featured in the starting XI at the Gtech Community Stadium.
The match, a tightly contested affair, ended 2-2 after normal time, with Nigeria eventually edging Jamaica 5-4 in a penalty shootout.
Simon, who opened the scoring for Nigeria and converted his penalty during the shootout, was visibly emotional after the game.
Reflecting on the moment, he said: “I am overwhelmed to have been able to be on the same pitch as a former player of my club in Kaduna.”
Fredrick’s assured debut performance drew praise from teammates and observers alike, with Simon adding that the young defender’s display made the occasion even more special.
“It was a dream come true,” he said, noting how seeing one of his academy graduates thrive on such a stage was a source of deep personal pride.
The Unity Cup, designed as a showcase of talent and unity for the Super Eagles, offered a platform for new faces to impress, and Fredrick seized the opportunity with maturity beyond his years.
The defender’s calmness under pressure and solid positioning were vital as Nigeria withstood periods of sustained Jamaican pressure.
Simon’s own contribution was significant, not only in his goal but in his leadership throughout the contest.
The experienced winger’s opening strike set the tone, and his confidence from the spot in the penalty shootout helped steer Nigeria to victory.
Fredrick’s rise from Simon’s academy in Kaduna to the national team spotlight exemplifies the growing emphasis on grassroots development in Nigerian football.
For Simon, a player with more than a decade of professional experience across Europe and Africa, the journey from mentor to teammate is a full-circle moment that adds depth to his career.
With Nigeria’s attention now turning toward the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, the emergence of new talent like Fredrick offers fresh hope and competition within the squad.
For Simon, the Unity Cup final was more than just a win — it was a symbol of legacy taking root.
