Moses Simon emerged victorious in the battle of the Nigerians as his Nantes side defeated Jerome Akor’s Montpellier 3-1 in a Ligue 1 clash on Saturday.
The encounter saw the two Nigerian forwards on opposing sides at the Stade de la Mosson, where Simon’s brilliance outshone Akor’s efforts.
The game started with a burst of energy from both teams, but it was Nantes who drew first blood.
In the 24th minute, Tino Kadewere set up Matthis Abline, who calmly slotted the ball into the net to give the visitors the leader in a tough clash.
Jerome Akor scores for Montpelier
Montpellier quickly responded, and in the 30th minute, Nigerian striker Jerome Akor found the back of the net with a well-taken shot, marking his first goal of the season and levelling the score at 1-1 for the home side.
However, Nantes reclaimed the lead just before half-time when Moses Simon stepped up to convert a penalty, ensuring his side went into the break with a 2-1 advantage.
Two in two for Moses Simon
This goal was Simon's second consecutive goal after his strike against Auxerre last weekend, as he continues in a rich vein of form after an injury that ended his season prematurely last season.
In the second half, Egyptian striker Mostafa Mohammed sealed the victory for Nantes with a third goal, courtesy of another assist from Zimbabwe sensation Tino Kadewere.
While Simon celebrated a well-earned victory with his teammates, Akor could take some solace in having opened his goal account for the season in his second year with Montpellier, which will hopefully be of many to come this season for the striker.
The match highlighted the talents of both Nigerians, but it was Simon who stole the show in this exciting Ligue 1 encounter.
