Newly capped Nigeria international, Moses Usor, has revealed that compatriot Moses Simon remains his role model.
Recall that Simon marked his 100th international cap on Friday in Uyo, when the Super Eagles pipped the Barea of Madagascar 2-1 in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
Usor made his debut for Nigeria as a second-half substitute, while he capped the outing with a goal four minutes after his introduction, which turned out to be the winner against Madagascar.
He had previously received a call-up to be part of the 2026 Unity Cup held in May this year, but was unable to honour the invitation due to an injury.
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“I want to be like Moses Simon: his consistency, his humility, his commitment to the team over so many seasons.
“It’s special to share the name Moses and go through this night with him. Getting to 100 caps for Nigeria is a massive achievement.
“Now it’s about work. One goal doesn’t make a career. I want to stay humble, keep learning from the senior players, and keep fighting for my shirt. I want Nigerians to know I’m here to give everything,” Usor told reporters after the game.
The LASK of Austria forward also disclosed that Simon boosted his confidence before the game, saying he was never under pressure.
“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.
“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.
“Once I got the ball, I backed myself. Seeing it go in on my Nigeria debut, with our fans there in Uyo… I’ll never forget that night.
“I wasn’t nervous, I was hungry. The team needed a moment, and I wanted to be the one to give it to them. I’ve waited for this chance my whole career, so I just told myself: this is your moment, take it,” Usor, who netted three goals and five assists in 12 appearances for LASK this season, added.
On his international debut goal, Usor said: “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 [Ademola] Lookman, Ola [Aina], [Calvin] Bassey. It’s a great feeling.”
Meanwhile, Nigeria are set for the matchday two group L AFCON qualifying fixture today against the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau at the 15,000-capacity Estádio 24 de Setembro, Bissau.
