Eric Chelle reveals what he likes about Nigeria’s greatest playmaker in Ligue 1 history

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has offered a glowing assessment of Nigeria and Paris FC forward Moses Simon, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Malian tactician has been in awe of the attacking qualities that have made the winger Nigeria’s most productive playmaker in French top-flight history.

While Simon was not the first-choice wide option at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with Ademola Lookman often preferred, Chelle insists the Paris FC man remains central to the tactical balance of his team. The 30-year-old started only twice during the tournament, against Uganda in the group stage and Egypt in the third-place playoff, but his influence extended beyond minutes played.

Simon’s growing legacy at AFCON is already clear. With 23 tournament appearances, he now sits just behind Nigerian greats such as Joseph Yobo, Nwankwo Kanu and Vincent Enyeama on the all-time appearances list.

Speaking to RMC Sport’s After Foot, Eric Chelle explained that Simon’s blend of power, technique and tactical intelligence gives Nigeria a different dimension.

“Moses Simon is a powerful left winger; that is what he brings to the team,” Chelle said. “He is good in 1v1 and 2v2 situations. In Nigeria, we often play with a diamond. When we drop deeper, we switch to a flat 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1, and he often gives us stability on the wing and width in our play.

“When you play through the wings, the opposition’s block shifts inside, and then you can stretch the play back out wide with Simon, Chukwueze or Ejuke.”

Eric Chelle explains Simon’s Paris FC spell so far

Last summer, Moses Simon moved from Nantes to Paris FC after six seasons in western France. He settled quickly in the capital, delivering four goal contributions in his opening seven Ligue 1 outings, though his form has since dipped with just one goal across his last eleven matches.

Eric Chelle believes the transition has demanded significant tactical adaptation.

“I watched some Paris FC matches at the beginning of the season. He had a good start when he arrived. When he played at Nantes, the play was often directed towards him.

“The game plan was to move the ball to the wings and put Moses Simon in 1v1 situations. At a new club, there is a different philosophy, where he has to move more centrally before receiving the ball. It is a bit complicated.

“I am happy with what he is doing for the national team.”

Despite recent club struggles, Simon’s Ligue 1 numbers capture his status as Nigeria’s greatest creator in the competition. His 40 assists across 195 appearances remain the highest by any Nigerian in French top-flight history, while his 36 goals place him fourth among Nigerian scorers in the league.