Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has expressed his satisfaction with the performances of Moses Simon, describing the Paris FC player as a powerful left winger.

Simon was ranked behind Ademola Lookman in the winger pecking order for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with the former Nantes standout starting only twice during the tournament in Morocco.

The 30-year-old was named in the starting XI in the group-stage clash against Uganda and the third-place playoff against Egypt, with Chelle choosing to rest several key players.

In an interview with RMC Sport's After Foot last Friday, Chelle highlighted Simon's technical abilities and tactical importance.

"Moses Simon is a powerful left winger; that is what he brings to the team. He is good in 1v1 and 2v2 situations. In Nigeria, we often play with a diamond. When we drop deeper, we switch to a flat 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1, and he often gives us stability on the wing and width in our play,” Chelle said. 

Chelle went on to explain how Simon, alongside fellow Super Eagles wingers Samuel Chukwueze and Chidera Ejuke, helps stretch opposition defences.

"When you play through the wings, the opposition’s block shifts inside, and then you can stretch the play back out wide with Simon, Chukwueze or Ejuke."

After six years at Nantes, Simon moved to capital side Paris FC last summer, signing a three-year contract.

The GBS Academy graduate enjoyed a strong start to life in the capital, registering four goal contributions in his first seven Ligue 1 appearances, but has since struggled for form, scoring just once in his last eleven matches.

Reflecting on Simon’s club career, Chelle noted that the winger began the season strongly at Paris FC but also emphasised the tactical adjustments he must make when integrating into a new team.

"I watched some Paris FC matches at the beginning of the season. He had a good start when he arrived. When he played at Nantes, the play was often directed towards him.

"The game plan was to move the ball to the wings and put Moses Simon in 1v1 situations. At a new club, there is a different philosophy, where he has to move more centrally before receiving the ball. It is a bit complicated.

"I am happy with what he is doing for the national team."

Only Joseph Yobo (29), Nwankwo Kanu (27), Vincent Enyeama (24), Rashidi Yekini (24) and Alex Iwobi (24) have featured in more Africa Cup of Nations matches for Nigeria than Moses Simon (23).

Ifeanyi Emmanuel