LASK forward Moses Usor will remember the night of Friday, September 26, 2026, in Uyo for a long time. After the game, the first-time international exclusively told Footy-Africa that he’s happy and grateful to have made his Nigeria debut and scored in it too.
Introduced as a second-half substitute with Nigeria still level at 1-1 against Madagascar in their opening 2027 AFCON qualifier, the 36 Lion academy graduate produced a moment to remember, driving forward on a brilliant solo run before slotting home the winner to hand Eric Chelle’s side a 2-1 victory at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
“It’s hard to put into words. When the coach told me to go on, he just told me to go out there and show what I can do. 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.”
Usor revealed he felt no nerves coming on at such a crucial point in the game.
“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.”
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The goal sparked wild celebrations back home, and Usor was quick to credit where it all started.
“Everything. 36 Lion made me. They believed in me when I was just a young boy with a dream. I know there was celebration at the academy tonight. This goal is for them, for the coaches, and for every young player still grinding there.”
The night carried extra meaning because of his teammate. While Usor was winning his first cap, winger Moses Simon was earning his 100th appearance for Nigeria in the very same match.
The winger revealed he wants to follow in his namesake’s footsteps: “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.”
Three Super Eagles debutants in September AFCON 2027 Qualifiers
Attention now turns to the Super Eagles’ next test, as they travel to face Guinea-Bissau in their second 2027 AFCON qualifier.
