Victor Moses stunned the football world last week, with retirement announcement from the Nigeria national team. The 27yr old who began the playing for the national team in 2013, called to end his 5 year stint with Super Eagles. Victor Moses made known his decision to focus on his club career.
The retirement which came at the period the NFF leadership is facing crises, have been responded to by several big names in National team. Despite the blow it brings to the Nation’s football particularly considering the attacker’s influence in the team, positives can still be gotten from it.
The Nigeria team which possesses a huge wealth of talented players plying their trade on the European continent, is expected to raise another star to fill in the position. The retirement of Victor Moses means that Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho or Kelechi Nwakali are all in contention to take up his role in the team.
Alex Iwobi who offers creativity can be deployed from the left wing, while Ahmed Musa’s pace and tenacity can be featured from the right wing. Kelechi Ihenacho who recently began to enjoy game time with Premier league club Leicester due to the departure of Riyadh Mahrez, could yet again cement his place in the Nigerian team particularly in the right wing of attack. Kelechi Nwakali who dazzled when the Nigerian team played Athletico Madrid in a friendly match in June is also a worthy option.
The departure of Victor Moses could also mean the end of 3-5-2 formation, as Nigeria lacks the wing-backs to feature in the position. Genort Rohr could however revert back to 4-3-3 formation, that lead to the 2013 AFCON success. The big problem however remains, who will lead the attacking line for the Super Eagles after Odion Ighalo’s below par performance at the World cup.