Super Eagles forward Moses Usor has promised to give his all whenever he plays for Nigeria. He knows the weight of expectations that come with wearing the national team shirt after his exciting debut against Madagascar.
The LASK forward, who plays in Austria, scored the winning goal in Nigeria's 2-1 comeback victory against Madagascar. This match was the opening game of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday.
Usor, who entered the game alongside Moses Simon, found the net in the 65th minute. His goal helped secure the win after George Ilenikhena had equalized Ehsan Kari's opener in first-half stoppage time.
In a chat with the Super Eagles Media team, Usor said he knows Nigerian fans have high hopes for him. He is determined to take every chance he gets.
“Nothing much, just to put my best whenever I’m on the pitch and add to the attacking force. That’s just to put my best whenever I’m there, whenever I’m wearing the badge.
“It’s very, very important because I know Nigeria will be expecting much from me, but I just have to put my best whenever I’m there,” he said.
A dream come true
Usor called his first game for the Super Eagles an overwhelming experience. He admitted that he found it hard to believe he was playing at such a high level.
“I was still surprised, wondering if it was a dream, because playing at this level is a big dream for me. I was like, ‘Okay, this is me,’” he said.
He was also happy that his family came to watch him play. He said this made the moment even more special.
“After my goal, I had to go down on my knees to pray, as I do after every goal, to thank God for it. But it was a different feeling because my family was also here. I was really happy seeing everyone here.”
Usor added that playing with experienced Super Eagles players was another highlight of his debut.
“It’s something I’ve dreamed of, to play with and be in the same camp with them. It’s a different feeling playing alongside these men, so it’s a great feeling.”
Simon’s advice
The forward also thanked his teammate Moses Simon for his advice. Simon helped him feel confident going into the match.
Usor said Simon told him to play naturally and take risks, especially when he had chances to go one-on-one with defenders.
“He was telling me, ‘Just play your game and be yourself. If you have the ball and you want to go one-on-one, go for it. Take the risk.’
“So, he gave me this mindset to play the game, and I just took the mentality of taking risks because football is all about risk. I took that mentality and went out there to play my game,” he said.
His hard work paid off as Usor made a quick impact, scoring the winning goal in his first senior international match.
The Super Eagles have now traveled to Bissau to play Guinea-Bissau in their second Group L qualifying match on Tuesday. Coach Éric Chelle is looking for another win to boost Nigeria's chances of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON, which Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda will co-host.
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