Nantes needed a spark, and Moses Simon provided it. With relegation fears looming, the Super Eagles star stepped up once again, delivering a crucial assist to help Nantes edge past Chuba Akpom’s Lille in a tense Ligue 1 battle.

His pinpoint cross led to a late winner, securing a 1-0 victory that breathed new life into their survival hopes, Footballrover reports.

But how did a match filled with frustration and near-misses finally tilt in Nantes’ favor?

Early frustration as Nantes waste chances

Despite their recent struggles, Nantes started aggressively. Louis Leroux came close in the opening 10 minutes, rattling the underside of the crossbar.

Lille responded with their own threats, as Hákon Arnar Haraldsson tested Anthony Lopes, but the goalkeeper held firm.

As halftime approached, Lille had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock, but Jonathan David—usually clinical—missed a one-on-one chance, keeping the game goalless.

The frustration only grew for Nantes after the restart. Saïdou Sow’s header hit the crossbar, followed by Sorba Thomas’ lob crashing off the frame.

Moses Simon’s perfect assist frustrates Chuba Akpom’s Lille

With time running out, Nantes suffered a setback when Jean-Charles Castelletto was sent off for pulling down Akpom.

Playing with ten men, their chances looked slim—until Moses Simon changed everything.

In the 83rd minute, he delivered a stunning cross that Mostafa Mohamed guided home with a powerful header.

Lille, struggling to find their rhythm, failed to mount a response.

The victory moved Nantes six points clear of the relegation zone, while Akpom’s Lille missed a chance to close the gap on the top three.

Moses Simon’s creative brilliance had once again made the difference and he’s obviously ready for the international break under the new Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle.

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Last Updated on March 15, 2025 7:44 pm by Sir Kris