Nigerian winger Moses Simon has etched his name into Ligue 1 history, becoming only the second Nigerian to reach 200 appearances in France’s top flight.
The milestone came during Paris FC’s hard-fought 0-0 draw against RC Strasbourg at the Stade de la Meinau, where Simon started and played 64 minutes, stretching the opposition with his trademark pace and direct attacking play.
The result sees Paris FC climb to 13th on the table, maintaining a comfortable gap from the relegation zone.
Elite Company: Following in Utaka’s Footsteps
With this achievement, Simon joins former Super Eagles striker John Utaka, who remains Nigeria’s all-time appearance leader in Ligue 1 with 239 matches across spells at Lens, Rennes, and Montpellier.
Reaching 200 appearances places Simon firmly among the most consistent and durable Nigerian exports to European football.
A Legacy Built at Nantes
Simon’s Ligue 1 journey began in 2019 when he joined FC Nantes on loan from K.A.A. Gent before making the move permanent.
Across six seasons with Nantes, he became a central figure, recording:
33 goals and 37 assists in 177 league appearances, while playing a crucial role in the club’s survival battles and their 2022 Coupe de France triumph. He also helped the team qualify for the UEFA Europa League and made history as the first Nigerian to register 10 assists in a single Ligue 1 season during the 2024/25 campaign.
New Chapter at Paris FC
Since joining Paris FC in 2025, Simon has seamlessly adapted to his new environment. This season alone, he has made 23 appearances, contributing three goals and two assists while maintaining his reputation as one of the league’s most reliable wide players.
His consistency and experience have been vital in stabilizing the team as they navigate a competitive campaign.
Still Key for Club and Country
With 95 caps for the Nigeria national football team, Simon remains a key figure for the Super Eagles, bringing experience from multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
His 200th appearance moment, captured as he left the pitch to applause, has already gained traction online, symbolizing years of dedication and high-level performance.
What’s Next for Simon?
As the season enters its final stretch, Simon’s focus will shift toward ending his current goal drought and helping Paris FC climb further up the table, starting with their upcoming clash against Le Havre AC.
In an era where Nigerian players continue to shine across Europe, Simon’s milestone stands as a benchmark of longevity, consistency, and elite professionalism a standard for the next generation to chase.
