Moses Simon said reaching 100 appearances for Nigeria was beyond anything he expected after marking the milestone in the Super Eagles’ 2-1 comeback win over Madagascar in Uyo.
The 31-year-old came on for Akor Adams in the 61st minute of Friday’s Group L, matchday one 2027 AFCON qualifier to earn his century of caps.
Nigeria fell behind before debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scored to secure victory for the Super Eagles.
After the match, Simon was presented with a special framed Nigeria shirt bearing his name and the number 100.
He thanked the coaches, journalists, family, friends and supporters who had helped him reach the landmark.
“First of all I would like to say thanks to the coach for the opportunity, thanks to every coach that gave me this opportunity and also thanks to you all the journalists,” Simon said during the post-match press conference.
“Of course, this gave me joy and it’s a great privilege to play for the Super Eagles, it’s a dream come true, I never believe I will be there, I never believe I will play 100 games but I just believe one thing whenever I’m called up I will be there to give my 100 percent.”
Asked about the secret behind reaching 100 caps, the former Nantes player added: “The secret to my 100 caps is my family my friends, Nigerians, journalists because when I see the passion you journalists have for football I’m ready to give everything.”
Simon received his first Nigeria call-up from legendary forward Daniel Amokachi in March 2015.
He made his international debut on 25 March that year in a friendly against Uganda, replacing Anthony Ujah after 59 minutes.
His first goal for Nigeria came on 8 September 2015 in another friendly, against Niger Republic. Simon scored the second goal in a 2-0 victory and now has 12 goals for the Super Eagles.
He was included in Nigeria’s preliminary 30-man squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, but injury prevented him from making the final 23-player selection.
Simon has since represented Nigeria at four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments: 2019, 2021, 2023 and 2025.