LASK winger, Moses Usor, has disclosed the advice Super Eagles forward, Moses Simon gave him shortly before he came on and scored Nigeria’s winning goal against Madagascar in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Usor made his Super Eagles debut in impressive fashion on Friday, scoring the decisive goal as Nigeria recovered from a goal down to defeat Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo.
The 24-year-old was introduced alongside Simon in the second half and produced a brilliant individual effort, racing forward before dribbling past two defenders inside the box and firing a left-footed shot into the bottom corner.
Reflecting on his debut, Usor revealed that Simon encouraged him to express himself and take on defenders whenever he had 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 also described scoring on his international debut as a dream, particularly with members of his family watching from the stands.
“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.”
The LASK forward added that he is determined to contribute to the Super Eagles’ attack whenever he gets the opportunity to play.
“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 after making an impressive start to the Austrian Bundesliga season, where he had recorded three goals and five assists in 12 matches.
He will now be hoping for another appearance when Nigeria face Guinea-Bissau in their second Group-stage fixture of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers at the Estádio 24 de Setembro on Tuesday at 5pm.
