Nigeria winger Moses Simon is facing uncertainty over his availability for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe after struggling with an ankle injury.
Concerns Over Simon’s Fitness
Simon, who plays for French club FC Nantes, has been dealing with persistent pain in his ankle, limiting his involvement in training sessions this week.
Nantes head coach Antoine Kombouaré revealed that the 29-year-old had not trained for three consecutive days, raising doubts about his readiness for both club and country.
“He didn’t train all week. He stayed in the gym on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday but completed the session today,” Kombouaré told Ouest-France.
“His ankle is still causing him pain. There are obviously some concerns. We are managing the situation, but for him, it’s complicated.”
Simon featured for only 20 minutes in Nantes’ 1-0 loss to Strasbourg last weekend, and his availability for their upcoming league fixture against Lille remains uncertain.
Key Absence for Nigeria?
With Nigeria preparing for crucial qualifiers, the possibility of losing Simon presents a setback for head coach Finidi George.
The Super Eagles are set to face Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali next Friday before hosting Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on March 25.
Simon has been a key figure for Nigeria, providing experience and attacking prowess on the wings.
His potential absence would force the coaching staff to explore alternative options as they aim to strengthen their position in the qualification race.
Nigeria’s Qualification Hopes
The Super Eagles are looking to secure their place at the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Every match in the qualifiers is crucial, and Simon’s injury poses an additional challenge as Nigeria seeks to maintain momentum in the campaign.
The final decision on Simon’s availability will likely depend on his progress in the coming days, with both Nantes and the Nigerian national team closely monitoring his condition.
