Super Eagles winger Simon Moses delivered a standout performance, scoring and assisting in Nates Ligue 1 clash with Lens on Saturday.
However, despite his 7th goal contribution, the Nigerian international watched helplessly as his team conceded two late goals to suffer another bitter defeat.
The match at Stade Bollaert-Delelis began with a shock as Lens took an early lead in the 21st minute through a well-executed penalty by Przemyslaw Frankowski.
But Nantes quickly responded. Moses Simon converted a penalty for his side after a foul from Lens’ Facundo Medina, confidently delivering it to level the score at 1-1.
Late collapse for Nantes: Simon Moses' heroics in vain
As the game progressed, Simon’s creativity stood out. In the 71st minute, the winger produced a brilliant through ball to Nicolas Cozza, who made no mistake in putting Nantes ahead, 2-1.
It seemed like a potential turning point for Moses and his team, but the joy was shortlived.
In a cruel twist, Nantes' lead slipped away within minutes. Lens capitalised on a brilliant pass to equalise at 2-2, thanks to Hamzat Ojediran’s clinical finish.
Just moments later, Adrien Thomasson’s header sealed the win for the hosts, putting the game beyond Nantes’ reach at 3-2.
Despite his best efforts, which included creating four scoring chances and winning four duels, Moses could do little to change the course of the game.
Replaced in the 80th minute by Sorba Thomas, Moses has now seen Nantes struggle to break out of their recent slump, having failed to win in their last eight matches.
As Nantes look ahead to their next challenge against Le Havre, Simon Moses' impressive form remains a bright spot amidst ongoing frustration for the team.
But before then, the winger will have to join the national team ahead of their African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda next week.
