Super Eagles winger Moses Simon has revealed the painful sacrifices he made in pursuit of a professional football career, recounting how he survived on garri and water for months, sold tomatoes and fish, and engaged in farming before attaining success.
The 29-year-old Paris FC forward disclosed this during an interview with Urban Well Sports, where he reflected on the difficult path that eventually led him to becoming one of Nigeria’s most celebrated footballers.
Simon said one of the toughest moments of his career came while undergoing trials at Rangers, where he spent nearly three months without a contract or salary.
According to him, the uncertainty forced him to survive on a single meal daily, relying on garri and water in the mornings and at night.
“I stayed at Rangers for almost three months with no salary. Nobody knew how we survived at night because I wasn’t living in camp.
“I ate once a day in the afternoon. In the mornings, I took garri and water, and at night, garri and water again for months.
“They kept saying they would pay my salary, but they didn’t because I wasn’t signed. I was one of the trialists they were screening,” Simon recalled.
Despite the hardship, the winger said he remained focused, delivering consistent performances that eventually distinguished him from other trialists.
“I became like the captain of the trialists. Every day, they dropped 20 or 30 players while new ones came in, but I remained because I was consistent every single day,” he said.
Simon also disclosed that beyond football, he undertook several menial jobs to survive, including farming and petty trading.
“I made a lot of sacrifices. I was a farmer while playing football. I sold tomatoes and fish for a living.
“This is probably the first time anyone is hearing this. I farmed here in Kaduna, carried produce on my head, while still going to school and playing football,” he added.
The Super Eagles star said his difficult upbringing inspired his passion to support young footballers facing similar struggles.
“It is part of why I want to help young people. I suffered a lot, and I don’t want others to go through the same experience.
“I don’t need government help for myself, but they can help young boys and girls on the streets. That will go a long way,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey from hardship to international recognition, Simon said perseverance remained the key to his success.
“I have been through rejection, hunger and disappointment, but I never stopped believing. Whenever I see young players today, I tell them to keep pushing because when your time comes, nobody can stop you,” he said.
Simon has established himself as one of Nigeria’s most dependable attackers, representing the Super Eagles at multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and building a successful professional career in Europe after overcoming years of hardship.
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