Super Eagles of Nigeria winger Moses Simon has insisted that he didn’t score against Stade Rennais to save the job of Antoine Kombouaré, his club manager at FC Nantes.
On Sunday, December 8, Moses Simon delivered a stunning performance with a spectacular strike against Stade Rennais, a goal that not only clinched a crucial 1-0 victory for FC Nantes but also seemingly alleviated the pressure on coach Kombouaré.
Despite the significance of the win, the Nigerian winger downplayed the notion that his goal had directly eased the tension on Kombouaré, emphasizing the collective effort of the team rather than individual accolades.
Simon’s phenomenal effort, a powerful shot that left veteran goalkeeper Steve Mandanda with no chance, marked Nantes’ first win since August. This victory was particularly significant as it propelled Nantes out of the relegation zone, lifting them to 13th place with a total of 14 points—an essential boost for a team that had been struggling for form.
The match was filled with drama. Shortly after Simon’s goal, Stade Rennais believed they had equalized through a corner kick. However, VAR came into play, nullifying the goal and allowing Nantes to maintain their lead.
For Kombouaré, this victory represented a critical respite amid growing scrutiny and pressure surrounding his tenure as manager. The team had endured a disheartening stretch of 10 matches without a win before this encounter, recording four draws and six losses.
The poor performances had led to speculation about the potential appointment of former FC Porto manager Sérgio Conceição, with reports indicating that any unfavorable result could result in Kombouaré’s dismissal.
However, Simon’s moment of brilliance appeared to have temporarily dispelled such discussions. When questioned about whether he felt his goal had saved his manager’s job, Simon—who is currently Nantes’ top scorer in Ligue 1 with four goals—quickly dismissed the suggestion.
He said, “Who said the coach was in danger? We don’t know. We won for ourselves, for the coach, our supporters, and the people of Nantes.”
Since being reappointed in March 2024, Kombouaré has faced significant challenges in replicating the success of his previous tenure, which included a remarkable Coupe de France victory in 2022.
With this win under their belt, Kombouaré will hope it marks a turning point for Nantes as they prepare for an upcoming away clash against Brest this weekend—a match that could further define their season and his future with the club.