National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, Moses Simon’s wife Ibukun and French Ligue 1 club Paris FC have joined the celebrations after the Super Eagles winger reached 100 international appearances for Nigeria.

Simon marked the milestone during Nigeria’s 2–1 comeback victory over Madagascar in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday. 

The Paris FC winger entered the game in the second half, replacing Akor Adams, to become only the fifth player to reach the 100-cap landmark for the Super Eagles.

Simon now joins an exclusive group comprising Joseph Yobo, Vincent Enyeama, Ahmed Musa and Alex Iwobi. 

Following the final whistle, Dikko presented Simon with a framed Super Eagles jersey bearing his name and the number 100 as the football community celebrated the veteran winger’s achievement.

The presentation was also attended by NFF Acting General Secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye. 

Simon’s landmark appearance came on a memorable night for Nigeria, with the Super Eagles recovering from a first-half deficit to secure all three points.

Madagascar took the lead through Clément Couturier before George Ilenikhena equalised in first-half stoppage time on his senior international debut.

Moses Usor then completed Nigeria’s comeback in the second half, scoring on his own Super Eagles debut to seal the 2–1 victory. 

The victory gave Nigeria an important opening win in Group L as the Super Eagles began their campaign for qualification for the 2027 AFCON tournament.

For Simon, however, the night carried an additional personal significance after more than a decade of international service.

The 31-year-old made his Super Eagles debut in March 2015 against Uganda and has since represented Nigeria at four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, including the 2019, 2021, 2023 and 2025 editions. 

Simon described the achievement as a dream come true, thanking the coaches who had trusted him throughout his international career.

“It is a dream come true. I never believed I would play 100 games but I believe one thing, whenever I am called up, I will be there to give one hundred per cent,” Simon said. 

His wife Ibukun also celebrated the milestone, expressing her pride in her husband’s achievement, while Paris FC highlighted the significance of Simon reaching the century mark with Nigeria. 

With the historic appearance now secured, Simon will turn his attention to Nigeria’s next AFCON qualifying assignment against Guinea-Bissau on September 29, with the Super Eagles looking to build on their winning start.