Moses Usor has revealed the advice he received from fellow winger Moses Simon shortly before scoring the winning goal in Nigeria’s 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo last Friday.

 With the match tied at 1-1 and 29 minutes remaining, Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle made a double substitution, introducing Simon and Usor for Akor Adams and Samuel Chukwueze.

 Just four minutes after coming on, the LASK forward collected a pass from Semi Ajayi and raced towards the Madagascar defence. Usor used his pace to beat the defenders before calmly slotting the ball past goalkeeper Geordan Dupire to put Nigeria ahead.

 The 23-year-old revealed that Simon had encouraged him to play his natural game and take risks whenever opportunities presented themselves.

 “I was warming up with Moses Simon, so when they called me, because we went in together, he was telling me, ‘Just play your game and be yourself. If you have the ball and you want to go 1v1, take the risk,’” Usor said.

 “He gave me this mindset to play the game, and I just took the mentality of taking risks because football is all about risks. So I took that mentality and went there to play my game.”

 The goal marked a memorable Super Eagles debut for Usor, who described the moment as a dream come true and expressed his joy at sharing the pitch with some of Nigeria’s established stars.

 “I was surprised. This is a dream because playing at this level, I think it’s a big dream. After every goal, I have to go down on my knees to pray. I thank God for it,” he said.

 “It was a different feeling because my family was there also, so I was feeling happy. Seeing everyone here is something I have been dreaming of, people I have been dreaming to play with and being in the same camp with them.

 “It’s a different feeling playing alongside Lookman, Ola, Bassey. It’s a great feeling.

 “I want to give my best whenever I am on the pitch and add to the attacking force. I know Nigerians will be expecting much from me. I have to give my best.”

 Usor received his first Super Eagles invitation after making an impressive start to the season with Austrian club LASK, registering three goals and five assists in 12 appearances before joining up with the national team.