The first round of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations is out of the way and as usual there have been regular stars, breakout stars and unexpected gems. While the sparks have flown on the pitch and shocks were delivered to the likes of Ghana and defending champions Algeria, individual players have also stepped up to be counted.
Nigeria were the only team to win all three group games at the tournament and many eyes are now understandably fixed on the Super Eagles as one of the favourites.
To God be the glory?.Group stage done ✅, Round Of 16 next.Thanks for the support guys?? #AFCON2021 ??? pic.twitter.com/vZWFdc1Bz0
— MSimon27 (@Simon27Moses) January 20, 2022
This is because the West Africans have scored the second-most goals in the competition having also conceded a single goal in all three games.
Moses Simon – the Standout Performer
Moses Simon has been one of the jewels in Nigeria’s crown in that trio of victories as his incredible performances have breathed new life into that attack after a devastating loss of form in national colours in the last couple of years.
The 26-year-old was a livewire in the opening game against Egypt and only missed out on the official Man of The Match award to match-winner Kelechi Iheanacho. However, there was no doubting who was the standout player in the second game against Sudan where he set up the opener and scored the third in a 3-1 victory as Nigeria secured passage to the next round.
Simon was most impressive in his 33-minutes cameo against Guinea-Bissau as he sent tongues wagging with an electric presence that delivered the second goal after a mazy dribble that hit the crossbar and fell to William Troost-Ekong to tap in.
The dancing shoes from Moses Simon here… What a tournament he’s having.#TeamNigeria have also now scored six goals in an AFCON group stages for the first time since back in 2004. pic.twitter.com/DhV4XRfoBF
— Joe Crann (@YesWeCrann) January 19, 2022
The winger completed all seven attempted dribbles in that outing to take his AFCON total to 15 as he delivered a warning ahead of the knockout rounds.
Moses Simon has completed the most dribbles (15) so far at #AFCON2021. Five more than his closest rival.
Don't come close to him ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/7WU0m33TQY
— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) January 20, 2022
At club level, the Nantes man has registered six assists and two goals in Ligue 1 this season but is courting more attention having been a revelation at AFCON 2021. Simon set up two assists and scored once during the group stage which is a far cry from his showings in the World Cup qualifiers under Gernot Rohr.
The Reason Behind His Upturn in Form
Since taking over for AFCON 2021, Augustine Eguavoen has switched the pacy winger to the left-wing whilst reducing his defensive responsibilities which has encouraged his natural instinct to beat his man and drive for goal with his pace, strength and agility.
In recent years, the Nantes man has been deployed on the right flank for the Super Eagles, and failed to make any notable impact in attack.
At the moment, the left-wing role seems like the perfect role for him and Simon is already making a strong claim to be player of the tournament.
Moses Simon front runner for AFCON MVP, no?
— Babanla (@biolakazeem) January 20, 2022
Should the Super Eagles continue to progress further in the competition, the 26-year-old will no doubt play an integral role in that run.
That show of confidence from the interim boss has undoubtedly made the difference for Simon and Round of 16 opponents Tunisia will be wary of facing him especially as their own campaign has been fraught with underperformance by winning only one game and finishing third behind Mali and Gambia.