Moses Daddy Simon of Nigeria lifts the Unity Cup with his teammates after the The Unity Cup Final between Jamaica and Nigeria (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Super Eagles and FC Nantes winger Moses Simon opened up about his social project in Nigeria after playing alongside his academy graduate, Benjamin Fredrick, in the national team against Jamaica in May.
While fans across France laud Simon’s performances every matchday, the Nigeria star is also building a quieter and more profound legacy in West Africa, where his journey began. Unlike the usual football metric—where success is measured in goals, trophies and transfer fees—for Simon, a successful football career includes opportunity, access and legacy.
Born and raised in the northern part of Nigeria, Simon’s football journey was anything but easy. Like many young Nigerian footballers, he faced the absence of formal scouting systems, insufficient infrastructure and lack of access to European clubs. However, his perseverance eventually earned him a career-defining trial with Ajax Amsterdam, which set him on his professional path.
“I remember growing up in Kaduna, there was no platform to link young talents with European clubs,” Simon said in an interview with RG.
“Through hard work and perseverance, I was spotted and chosen for a trial in the Netherlands with Ajax.”
Determined to change the narrative for the next generation, the 29-year-old, with his wife, founded the Simoiben Academy—a grassroots football initiative in Kaduna and Abuja aimed at discovering, nurturing and promoting Nigerian football talents.
A Vision Taking Shape
Launched to become a professional career pipeline and scouting hub in northern Nigeria, the Simoiben Academy has already begun to produce tangible results. One of its most celebrated success stories is Benjamin Fredrick, a young Nigerian defender who was initially loaned to Brentford FC in the English Premier League and whose transfer has now been made permanent.
Fredrick’s journey from Kaduna to the Premier League is a living testament to the vision behind the academy, reflecting Nigeria’s abundant talent reservoir and the impact of structured mentorship.
“Playing alongside Fredrick in the Nigeria jersey was a proud moment for me and our club,” Simon shared after both featured in a Super Eagles match in May. “He is a very good talent, and the future looks very bright for him. Brentford are lucky to have him because he is an all-around and hardworking young boy. I will be following his development with unwavering support as a proud mentor.”
Simon revealed that while he funds the project and provides mentorship, the daily operations are managed by his wife:
“My wife is the president of the academy, and I am more of a sponsor and mentor to the young boys. She oversees the daily operations and organizational structure.”
His words echo a commitment to social responsibility and sustainable change. As many Nigerian youths struggle with unemployment and limited opportunities, football has remained one of the few escape routes.
Simon’s initiative adds a professional touch to what is often a disorganized system in West Africa and creates a blueprint for others to follow.
“It is a great opportunity to be supporting young talents,” the Super Eagles star continued. “I feel more fulfilled making an impact with my success for a better future in the lives of the young ones.”
With the Simoiben Academy unflinching in its mission to scout and train youngsters, and with his name steadily rising in Ligue 1 rankings, Simon is shaping a dual legacy: one of athletic excellence and another of social empowerment.
In many ways, his footballing journey has come full circle, and he is now the bridge connecting today’s dreamers with tomorrow’s possibilities.
What’s Next for Moses Simon?
Simon is about to enter the final year of his contract at Nantes, and multiple sources close to the 29-year-old winger have hinted to RG about his future.
RG can confirm that the Nigeria international will remain in France, where he has established himself as one of the most skillful players and top assist makers, with newly promoted Paris FC set to complete a permanent deal.
Paris FC returned to the French top flight after a 46-year absence, and Simon is set to be one of their first recruits for the 2025–26 season, with an agreement between both parties in the final stages. Last season, the former Genk and Levante star achieved a personal best of eight goals and 10 assists in 32 Ligue 1 matches—his best goal contribution in a European campaign.
Taiye Taiwo
