Paragraph 1: A Nigerian Contender for Ligue 1’s Top African Player Award
Moses Simon, the dynamic winger for FC Nantes, has once again been nominated for the prestigious Marc-Vivien Foé Award, recognizing the best African player in France’s Ligue 1. This marks his fourth time on the shortlist, following nominations in 2020, 2022, and 2024, underscoring his consistent performance and impact in French football. Should he win, Simon would join the elite company of Vincent Enyeama and Victor Osimhen as the third Nigerian to claim this coveted prize. The award, presented by RFI and France 24, serves as a testament to the growing influence and talent of African players in one of Europe’s top leagues.
Paragraph 2: Simon’s Impact on Nantes’ Season
Despite Nantes’ challenging season, Simon has emerged as a shining light, consistently delivering crucial performances and contributing significantly to the team’s attacking output. His record of seven goals and eight assists in 25 league appearances speaks volumes about his ability to both create and finish scoring opportunities. His direct involvement in almost half of Nantes’ goals underscores his vital role in the squad, showcasing his versatility and impact as a key player.
Paragraph 3: The Marc-Vivien Foé Award: A Celebration of African Excellence
The Marc-Vivien Foé Award, named in honor of the late Cameroonian footballer, is a symbol of recognition for the exceptional talent and contribution of African players in French football. The award is decided by a panel of nearly 100 journalists specializing in both French and African football, ensuring a comprehensive and balanced evaluation of each nominee’s performance throughout the season. This meticulous selection process underscores the award’s prestige and its significance within the footballing community.
Paragraph 4: Eligibility Criteria and Past Nigerian Winners
The award’s stringent eligibility criteria require nominees to be active representatives of their respective African national teams, to have participated in at least 15 Ligue 1 matches during the season, and to have maintained consistent international allegiance throughout their careers. These criteria ensure a fair and competitive field of nominees, highlighting players who have demonstrated both club and international success. In 2014, Vincent Enyeama, a goalkeeper then playing for Lille OSC, etched his name in history as the first Nigerian and the first goalkeeper to win the award. Victor Osimhen followed suit in 2020, winning the award for his exceptional performances for Lille before his transfer to Napoli.
Paragraph 5: The 2025 Nominees and Simon’s Competition
Moses Simon faces stiff competition in the 2025 edition of the Marc-Vivien Foé Award, vying for the title against 11 other talented African players plying their trade in Ligue 1. Among the notable contenders are Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, and Ivorian forward Evann Guessand of OGC Nice. This diverse group of nominees represents a cross-section of African footballing talent currently enriching the French league. The presence of such high-profile players highlights the increasing prominence of African players in European football.
Paragraph 6: Anticipation for the Winner Announcement
With Moses Simon’s inclusion in the final shortlist, Nigerian football fans and the Nantes faithful are eagerly anticipating the announcement of the winner later this year. The prospect of a third Nigerian player lifting the Marc-Vivien Foé Award generates considerable excitement and serves as a testament to the continued development and success of Nigerian football on the global stage. The award ceremony promises to be a celebration of African footballing talent and a fitting tribute to the enduring legacy of Marc-Vivien Foé.
