French defender Nicolas Pallois admits Nigeria’s Moses Simon is the star keeping Nantes afloat

Nantes defender Nicolas Pallois has admitted that the club is heavily reliant on Nigeria international Moses Simon, who has been their standout performer this season, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Super Eagles winger has been in scintillating form, playing a crucial role in keeping Nantes above the relegation zone.

Despite a 3-2 defeat to Le Havre over the weekend — where Simon was on the scoresheet — Les Canaris sit 13th in Ligue 1, just three points clear of the relegation playoff spot. Without their Nigerian talisman, the situation could be far worse.

Simon has been instrumental in Nantes’ attack, forming a strong partnership with Matthis Abline.

15 G/A in Ligue 1 this season.

Moses Simon is having an outstanding campaign with Nantes. pic.twitter.com/57P239Xk42

— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) March 30, 2025

However, the team’s over-reliance on him is evident. With 15 goal contributions this season (seven goals, eight assists), he ranks among the league’s top creators. Only Rayan Cherki, Bradley Barcola, and Dilane Bakwa have provided more assists than the Nigerian winger, who has been directly involved in nearly half (48%) of Nantes’ 31 league goals.

French defender Pallois openly acknowledged Simon’s importance, stating as per GFNF: “We give the ball to Simon. We know that he’ll do damage, and we cross our fingers that he succeeds.”

JUST IN: Moses Simon has applied for French Citizenship. pic.twitter.com/ybVEbTNVBi

— Ghana Naija Ballers (@GHNaijaBallers) February 23, 2025

While this strategy may not be sustainable in the long run, it could be enough to secure Nantes’ top-flight status for another season.

Simon, 29, initially joined Nantes on loan from Levante in 2019 before making the move permanent for €5 million. Since then, he has delivered 36 goals and 39 assists in 194 appearances across all competitions. His influence was pivotal in Nantes’ Coupe de France triumph in 2022—the club’s first major trophy in 21 years.

As the season reaches its decisive phase, Nantes will be hoping their star man continues to deliver.