Moses Simon featured for FC Nantes on Sunday afternoon but delivered a quiet performance as the Super Eagles winger watched his side struggle to a 1-1 draw against fellow strugglers Toulouse in Ligue 1.
The former Levante man, who has been stuck on nine assists for several weeks, was unable to add to his tally as Nantes' relegation worries continued. Only Rayan Cherki (10) has more assists than Simon in the league this season.
Having barely survived relegation last season, finishing just four points above the drop zone, Nantes find themselves in familiar peril again.
Despite some recent signs of resistance, the club remains mired in the lower reaches of the table, struggling to find consistency when it matters most.
Nantes currently sit 14th in Ligue 1, four points clear of the relegation zone, with three matches left to play. The margins are tight, and every point counts as they attempt to cling to their top-flight status for another season.
Moses Simon failed to make his mark
Simon, who has often been the creative spark for Nantes this season, found little joy against a stubborn Toulouse side. The 28-year-old lasted 66 minutes before being substituted, having endured a frustrating afternoon by his high standards.
He failed to register a shot in the match and managed to complete only one of his six attempted dribbles, highlighting a rare inefficiency in one of his strongest attributes.
The former KAA Gent youngster's crossing also lacked its usual precision. Of the eight balls he whipped into the box, only two found a teammate.
Passing was an area where Simon fared slightly better, completing 17 of his 20 attempted passes, but even that could not mask the overall lack of penetration from wide areas.
In duels, it was a similarly tough outing: the Nigerian won just one of his six ground duels and lost his only aerial contest. Across his 43 touches, Simon struggled to impose himself on proceedings, as Nantes found it difficult to consistently trouble the visitors’ defence.
