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By: Abiodun Adewale
Nigerian winger, Moses Simon, is set for a spell on the sidelines for several months after suffering an ankle fracture during the Super Eagles 2-0 defeat against Mali in a friendly match at the Stade de Marrakech, Morocco, on Tuesday night, his club Nantes have confirmed.
Simon was stretchered off and taken to the hospital in the 33rd minute of the game after a collision with Mali goalkeeper Mamadou Samassa. He was replaced by Rangers forward Cyriel Dessers.
Simon’s injury was compounded by the disappointing result with interim coach George Finidi suggesting it was an ankle injury but the French club has now confirmed that, with the extent of the injury proving damaging for the player.
“Substituted shortly after the half-hour mark during the friendly match between Mali and Nigeria, Moses Simon was seriously injured with the Super Eagles,” Nantes said via their website.
“Subsequent examinations confirmed a fracture of the fibula. His unavailability is unfortunately estimated at several months.
“FC Nantes is already keen to provide its full support to its attacker and wishes him a speedy recovery.”
A fibula fracture is used to describe a break in the fibula bone which can be caused by a forceful impact, such as landing after a high jump or any impact to the outer aspect of the leg.
Although the Ligue 1 club didn’t state the exact time Simon will spend on the treatment table, treating the injury can take at least six weeks, depending on the extent, meaning he will be out of action in their run in to the end of the season with just eight games remaining as the Canaries hope to escape relegation.
Simon is feared out for the rest of the season and could miss Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin in June.
At club level, he has scored three goals and provided six assists in the Ligue 1 this season.