Moses Usor has revealed the advice he received from Moses Simon shortly before scoring the game-winning goal in Nigeria's comeback 2-1 win over Madagascar in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in Uyo last Friday.
With the game deadlocked at 1-1 and twenty-nine minutes left on the clock, manager Eric Chelle made two tactical substitutions, bringing on Moses Simon and Moses Usor as replacements for Akor Adams and Samuel Chukwueze.
Four minutes after his introduction, the LASK forward received a pass from Semi Ajayi and surged forward, using his pace to beat the Madagascar defenders before calmly finishing past goalkeeper Geordan Dupire.
Usor revealed that experienced winger Simon encouraged him to play his natural game and take risks when given the opportunity.
"I was warming up with Moses Simon, so when they called me, because we went in together, he was telling me, 'Just play your game and be yourself. If you have the ball and you want to go 1v1, take the risk,'" Usor said.
"He gave me this mindset to play the game, and I just took the mentality of taking risks because football is all about risks. So I took that mentality and went there to play my game.
Usor admitted that scoring on his Super Eagles debut was a dream come true and expressed his delight at the opportunity to play alongside some of Nigeria’s established stars.
"I was surprised. This is a dream because playing at this level, I think it's a big dream. After every goal, I have to go down on my knees to pray. I thank God for it.
"It was a different feeling because my family was there also, so I was feeling happy. Seeing everyone here is something I have been dreaming [of], people I have been dreaming to play with and being in the same camp with them.
"It's a different feeling playing alongside Lookman, Ola, Bassey. It's a great feeling.
"I want to give my best whenever I am on the pitch and add to the attacking force. I know Nigerians will be expecting much from me. I have to give my best."
Usor earned his first Super Eagles invitation following an impressive start to the campaign, having registered three goals and five assists in 12 appearances for his Austrian club.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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