Super Eagles winger Moses Simon has reflected on the hardships he endured before becoming a professional footballer, revealing that he survived on garri and water for months while pursuing his career.

Speaking in an interview with Urban Well Sports published on Thursday, the 29-year-old Paris FC player said he faced hunger, unpaid trials and uncertainty before earning his breakthrough in football.

Simon recalled spending nearly three months as a trialist at Rangers without a contract or salary, surviving on just one proper meal a day.

“I stayed at Rangers for almost three months with no salary. Nobody knew how we survived at night. I wasn’t living in camp. I ate once a day, in the afternoon. In the mornings I’d take garri and water, and at night, garri and water again, for months,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Simon said he remained committed during training, believing consistent performances would eventually earn him a place in the team. He added that he outlasted several other trialists and even became an informal leader among them.

The Nigeria international also revealed that he took on menial jobs to support himself while chasing his football dream. According to him, he worked as a farmer and sold tomatoes and fish, balancing those activities with school and football.

“I farmed here in Kaduna, carried produce on my head, all while still going to school and playing football,” he said.

Simon said his difficult journey has inspired him to support aspiring footballers facing similar struggles, stressing that young people deserve better opportunities.

“I’ve been through rejection, hunger and disappointment. But I never stopped believing,” he said. “Whenever I see young players today, I tell them to keep pushing because when your time comes, nobody can stop you.”

The winger, who has represented Nigeria at multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, said he hopes his story will encourage young athletes to remain resilient despite the obstacles they encounter.