Victor Moses walked away from international football in the summer of 2018 with an AFCON title, 37 caps, 12 goals and appearances at two World Cups to his name, Footynaija.com reports.
He was 27 years old, and he has barely spoken about the decision since, until now. Moses announced his retirement from the Super Eagles immediately after Nigeria’s group-stage exit at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, a tournament in which he had started all three matches.
The timing surprised many. He was not injured, not in dispute with the federation, and not out of form. He was simply done, and he chose not to explain why for years.
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The story behind Moses is one that adds weight to everything he achieved in green and white. Born in Kaduna in northern Nigeria, he lost both parents during a religious crisis in 1997 when he was just six years old.
He moved to England at age 11 as an orphan, was taken in by a foster family in Camberwell, south London, and built a career from nothing at Crystal Palace before earning a move to Chelsea in 2012. That same year, he made his debut for the Super Eagles, having previously represented England at youth level.
He went on to be part of the Nigeria squad that claimed the 2013 AFCON title in South Africa, played in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and returned for Russia 2018 as a key figure under Gernot Rohr. By the time he announced his retirement via Instagram that July, he had given Nigeria six years of consistent service.
‘I thought it was essential for other players to have their moment’
Speaking exclusively to Pulse Sports at the Famous CFC Watch Party in Lagos, Moses finally gave the explanation that Nigerian football fans had been waiting years to hear.
“You know what, Nigeria had a lot of talent, and there were a lot of players in the Super Eagles squad during the time I left. I thought it was essential for other players to have their moment,” he said.
He was clear that the decision carried no bitterness.
“I love playing for Nigeria, I really enjoyed it. I won the AFCON in 2013 and represented Nigeria at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups. I’ve had great moments, made great friends in the Super Eagles.”
“It’s not about leaving Nigeria, it’s more about the moments I experienced, and I really enjoyed my time.”
Moses, now 35, signed for Kaisar in Kazakhstan in January 2026 and continues to play professionally. His Super Eagles chapter, brief by international standards but rich in achievement, remains one of the more selfless exits the national team has seen.
