Usor shares his joy after scoring in his Super Eagles debut

Super Eagles winger, Moses Usor, found it hard to describe his feelings after scoring his first goal for Nigeria. His solo effort helped the team secure a 2-1 comeback win against Madagascar in Uyo on Friday.

Usor, who plays for LASK and trained at the 36 Lion academy, came on as a substitute in the second half. The game was tied at 1-1 during their first match in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. He made a strong run before scoring the winning goal, giving Eric Chelle’s team all three points at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

“It is hard to put into words. When the coach told me to go on, he just told me to go out there and show what I can do. Once I got the ball, I backed myself. Seeing it go in on my Nigeria debut, with our fans there in Uyo, I will never forget that night,” Usor told Footy-Africa.

Instead of feeling nervous, the 24-year-old said he was motivated by the moment.

“I was not nervous, I was hungry. The team needed a moment, and I wanted to be the one to give it to them. I have waited for this chance my whole career, so I just told myself: this is your moment, take it.”

Usor quickly gave credit to his academy. “Everything. 36 Lion made me. They believed in me when I was just a young boy with a dream. I know there was celebration at the academy tonight. This goal is for them, for the coaches, and for every young player still grinding there,” he said.

This night was also special for his teammate, Moses Simon, who played his 100th match for the Super Eagles. Usor, who shares a name with Simon, hopes to achieve similar success.

“I want to be like Moses Simon, his consistency, his humility, his commitment to the team over so many seasons. It is special to share the name Moses and go through this night with him. Getting to 100 caps for Nigeria is a massive achievement,” he said.

He knows it's important to stay grounded. “Now it is about work. One goal does not make a career. I want to stay humble, keep learning from the senior players, and keep fighting for my shirt. I want Nigerians to know I am here to give everything,” he added.

Usor came into the game in the 61st minute and scored just four minutes later. He ran from inside his half before finishing smoothly. This goal adds to a strong season for the forward, who has three goals and five assists in 12 matches for LASK. Last season, he scored 15 goals and provided 10 assists in 35 matches as his team won their first domestic double since 1965.

Next, Nigeria will face Guinea-Bissau in their second Group L match on Tuesday, September 29.