Former African POTY hails Simon for his pace but urges better decision-making in attack

Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba has praised Nigeria winger Moses Simon for his speed and ability to challenge defenders, but stressed the need for sharper decision-making in the final third following the Super Eagles’ narrow 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Rwanda.

Speaking on SuperSport after the World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, Victor Ikpeba said Simon needed to improve his finishing, particularly in making the right decisions on when to shoot and when to cross from the flanks.

He described the winger as an asset to the team, noting his pace and ability to take on defenders.

Ikpeba added that securing maximum points was a massive relief, as it would ease the psychological pressure on the players and allow them to approach Tuesday's game with greater belief.

The victory, secured by Tolu Arokodare’s 51st-minute goal, was a significant boost for Nigeria’s campaign.

Simon’s performance underlined both his potential and the areas needing refinement. 

His pace remains a major advantage, but combining speed with intelligent attacking decisions could be pivotal for the Super Eagles as they strive to improve consistency under a campaign that has seen multiple managerial changes.

As Nigeria looks to consolidate its position in the group and push for automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, maximizing the strengths of players like Simon while addressing decision-making in the final third will be essential for achieving success in crucial upcoming matches.

Wale Adejumo

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