Super Eagles forward Moses Simon has etched his name deeper into Nantes’ history books after reaching a remarkable milestone at Nantes—his 200th appearance for the French club—on a tense Saturday evening in Ligue 1.
The Nigerian international featured for nearly the entire match as Nantes battled AJ Auxerre to a 1-1 draw at the Stade de l’Abbé Deschamps, a result that extended their winless run to five and pushed their Ligue 1 survival hopes to the edge, Footballrover reports.
Simon was substituted just two minutes into added time, having put in another tireless shift for a club he’s faithfully served since 2019.
Simon hits 200 appearances and still going strong
When Moses Simon joined Nantes from Levante six years ago, few would have predicted the impact he would go on to make.
From the very start, the Nigerian winger became a key attacking outlet for the Canaries.
In his debut campaign, Simon lit up the league with nine goals and six assists in 30 matches.
His consistency remained strong in subsequent seasons—delivering six goals and six assists in 36 games in his second year and another six goals with eight assists in his third.
The fourth season saw him contribute five goals and four assists across a whopping 46 appearances.
Though the fifth campaign was slightly quieter, with just three goals and five assists in 22 outings, this season has seen Simon roaring back to form.
In 32 games so far, he has notched seven goals and nine assists, taking his total contributions for Nantes to an impressive 74—36 goals and 38 assists in all competitions.
Milestone at Nantes overshadowed by survival struggles
Despite Moses Simon’s new benchmark at Nantes, the mood remains tense.
Saturday’s draw against Auxerre leaves Nantes precariously placed, just two points above the relegation playoff spot and three above the automatic drop zone.
Nantes showed early intent in the game, dominating the first 20 minutes but again failed to convert their chances—an ongoing theme in a season where they’ve only scored 35 league goals.
Auxerre, largely restricted to long-range efforts, snatched the lead just before halftime via a thunderous strike from Gaëtan Perrin.
Louis Leroux gave Nantes hope with a 63rd-minute equaliser after a clever assist from Sorba Thomas.
However, it was goalkeeper Anthony Lopes who preserved the point, making a crucial save from Lassine Sinayoko shortly after.
As the final whistle blew, both teams looked out of ideas, but for Nantes, the consequences of yet another draw loom large.
Their fate will now be decided on the final day of the Ligue 1 season.
While Moses Simon truly deserves to celebrate his milestone at Nantes, the club’s survival is deeply hanging by a thread.
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