Nigeria’s caretaker coach, Augustine Eguavoen, is contemplating giving Moses Simon his first start in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, following his impressive performance as the Super Eagles’ top assist provider so far. With three assists to his name, Simon is second only to Mozambique’s Bruno Langa in the assist standings, and his potential inclusion in the starting lineup is gaining momentum after Ademola Lookman’s injury ruled him out for the upcoming match against Rwanda.

Despite Simon’s contributions, he has struggled to secure a regular starting spot, often playing second fiddle to Atalanta’s Lookman as an inverted winger. Simon’s only start in the qualifiers came in a match against Libya, while he has featured off the bench in encounters with Benin and Rwanda.

Eguavoen, speaking at a pre-match press conference, acknowledged Simon’s qualities, describing him as “energetic, quick, and smart.” While the coach has yet to confirm the lineup, the absence of Lookman has opened the door for Simon, with many fans and analysts urging Eguavoen to give the Nantes forward a chance to shine from the first whistle in the crucial match against Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

“I know what Simon can bring to the team,” Eguavoen said. “I’ll think about it,” he added, hinting that the decision could be made closer to the match.

With only 18 outfield players available due to the absences of Lookman and Ola Aina, the Super Eagles are looking for fresh energy and inspiration to secure a win in this critical AFCON qualifier.