The President of the Nigeria Football Federation Amaju Pinnick has pleaded with former international Victor Moses to return to the national team ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) games scheduled for June.
Moses retired from international football in August following the Super Eagles’ exit from the FIFA World Cup, saying he wanted to focus more on club football and his family.
Pinnick however says he wants the Chelsea man back into the national side, and that he has been talking with him over a potential return.
“I believe he is someone that has paid his dues and he shouldn’t just leave Nigerian football unceremoniously. I talk to him every day and I make him understand that he can still return. Even if he says I’m begging him, I don’t mind,” the NFF boss said.
He went ahead to state that Nigerian footballers who retire from international responsibilities are still held in high regard by the authorities.
“It is not as if we don’t have players but we need to encourage our players so that others will know that when they say I’m retiring they will know that we have them in mind. Some retire because of ego.”
Nigeria will be making their first AFCON appearance since 2013 when they won the competition.
The Super Eagles still have a qualifier game in hand, against Seychelles at home. The islanders have conceded 22 goals in their five group games and prop up the table with just one point.
