‘Captain of Trialists at Rangers’ – Super Eagles Star Moses Simon Opens Up on Hunger, Rejection and Rise to Stardom
Super Eagles winger Moses Simon has revealed how he emerged as the unofficial “captain of the trialists” during his difficult spell at Rangers, surviving on garri and water while chasing the dream that eventually made him one of Nigeria’s most accomplished footballers.
The Paris FC winger shared his remarkable rags-to-riches story in an interview with Urban Well Sports, recounting the sacrifices, rejection and hunger he endured before earning his breakthrough in professional football.
Simon disclosed that he spent almost three months at Rangers as an unsigned trialist without receiving a salary, relying on garri and water to survive while waiting for an opportunity.
“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,” Simon said.
“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, ‘We’ll pay your salary, don’t worry,’ but they didn’t because I wasn’t signed. I was one of the trialists they were screening.”
Despite the uncertainty, the Super Eagles star said his consistency on the training ground earned him respect among fellow trialists and Rangers supporters alike.
“I actually became like the captain of that group of trialists. Even the supporters would ask, ‘Where’s that small one at Rangers?’
“Every day they dropped 20 or 30 players, new ones would come, get dropped, and I was still there. My performance never got me dropped because I was consistent every single day.”
Beyond football, Simon revealed that he combined his football ambitions with farming and petty trading to survive.
“I made a lot of sacrifices. I was a farmer while playing football. I sold tomatoes for a living and sold fish too.
“This is probably the first time anyone is hearing this. I farmed here in Kaduna, carried produce on my head, all while going to school and playing football.”
The 29-year-old said those difficult experiences inspired his desire to support young footballers facing similar challenges.
“I suffered a lot back then, and it’s part of why I don’t want other young people to go through the same thing. I don’t need government help for myself, but they can help the people by supporting young boys and girls off the streets.”
Simon, now a key figure for the Super Eagles, said his journey from rejection and hardship to international success is proof that perseverance and belief can overcome even the toughest obstacles.
“I’ve 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.”
