Former Super Eagles winger Victor Moses has opened up on the reasons behind his decision to retire from international football at the age of 27, revealing that he stepped away to give younger players the opportunity to shine for Nigeria.
The former Chelsea star, who played a major role in Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations triumph and represented the country at the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups, said his retirement was not caused by any dispute or misunderstanding with the national team.
Speaking in a recent interview, Moses explained that the Super Eagles squad at the time was filled with talented young players, and he believed it was the right moment for a new generation to take over.
According to him, he wanted other players to have the chance to express themselves and contribute to the team’s growth.
“You know what, Nigeria had a lot of talent, and there were many players in the Super Eagles squad when I left. I felt it was important for other players to have their opportunity,” he said.
Moses also spoke warmly about his time with the national team, describing it as one of the most memorable periods of his football career. He said representing Nigeria brought him joy and allowed him to build lasting friendships within the squad.
“I loved playing for Nigeria and truly enjoyed every moment. I won the AFCON in 2013 and played at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups,” he added.
“I had great experiences and made wonderful friends in the Super Eagles. It was never really about leaving Nigeria; it was about appreciating the moments I had, and I enjoyed them.”
The former winger officially announced his retirement from international football in August 2018 shortly after the World Cup in Russia. At the time, he stated that he wanted to focus more on his club career and spend more time with his family.
During his six-year international career between 2012 and 2018, Moses earned 38 caps and scored 12 goals for Nigeria. He was one of the standout performers during the late coach Stephen Keshi’s successful AFCON campaign in 2013, helping the Super Eagles secure their third continental title.
At the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Moses scored Nigeria’s only goal in the group-stage defeat to Argentina, a result that knocked the team out of the tournament.
At club level, Moses enjoyed success across Europe, especially with Chelsea F.C., where he became a key player under Antonio Conte during the club’s 2016/2017 Premier League title-winning season. He also featured for clubs including Crystal Palace F.C., Wigan Athletic F.C., Liverpool F.C. and Inter Milan.
Despite occasional calls from fans for a return to the national team, Moses has maintained that his decision was made in the best interest of both himself and the Super Eagles.