'I dribble with the ball, run without the ball' - Moses Simon reacts to fans dubbing him 'automobile'

Super Eagles winger Moses Simon has responded to being dubbed 'automobile' by several Nigerian fans.

The GBS Academy product offers pace and trickery aplenty on the flank and has been officially recognized as one of the fastest players in the French Ligue 1.

Simon has stood out this season, registering four goal involvements in the top flight, and was included in Ligue 1 Team of the Month for September on the back of his outstanding performances.

By notching his 29th career assist in Ligue 1 against SCO Angers on September 22, he became Nantes' most decisive player since promotion to Ligue 1 in 2013, overtaking the late Emiliano Sala.

Reacting to being dubbed ‘automobile’, Simon highlighted that his speed improves his decision-making whether he is with the ball or not.

"I would say the speed factor because I know I have to dribble when I have the ball. Without the ball I have to run,” Simon told Onrise TV.

"When I know the opponent can run, then I can dribble him. When I know he can try to stop me then I can run so I just try to mix it."

Back-to-back victories against the Mediterranean Knights would all but confirm Nigeria's qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

However, the three time African champions are struggling in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers as they sit fifth in the six-team table with three points from four matches. 

"I always concentrate on what is in my front now because we are preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

"When we are done with this, then I think we can focus on the World Cup. First we need to qualify for the Afcon," Simon added.

Sharing his thoughts on the upcoming game against Libya, the diminutive forward stated: "A lot people will say the game will be easy but we all know no game is easy in Africa even at your club. We just need to fight and try to do our best to have the victory."

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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