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10 Africans unsettled in the English Premier League: #8 Victor Moses
The January transfer window is a few weekends away. In our anticipation and excitement of possible moves, we have taken to lay down 10 “unsettled” African stars in the English top flight, the Premier League. The Nigerian who hung up his international boots earlier this year also finds himself on the list.
Victor Moses of Chelsea in action during the pre-season friendly match between Chelsea and Lyon at Stamford Bridge on August 7, 2018 in London, England.
(Aug. 6, 2018 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)
Of course, it is nice to see the likes of Mo Salah, Percy Tau and Hakim Ziyech shine for their nations over the most recent international break but it also raises questions about some popular names who are finding themselves in sticky situations. There are a number of African players dubbed to be the next Sergio Ramos and Xavis of this world but are currently unsettled at club level. Their potential is endangered by their lack of game time. Here’s a list of the XI players whose progress has stalled. What better time to look at these than now when the January transfer window is fast encroaching?
RW – Victor Moses
At times, we make sacrifices in life with the hope of gaining a lot from those hard decisions. Often times, it pays off except for those specific times when the luck is not on our side. I think this best describes Victor Moses’ decision to retire from the national team to focus on his Chelsea career. The former Nigerian international resigned from playing for the Super Eagles shortly after the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia before Sarri was announced as the new Chelsea boss. The Italian then made his way to the West London club and has since preferred Willian and Pedro ahead of him. In pre-season, Callum Hudson-Odoi who has a Ghanaian heritage shined in his absence and even more, the club is being linked to the unsettled Manchester United forward, Anthony Martial.
Verdict: I think the club is pushing the 27-year-old out. A team like West Ham can benefit from a player of his traits.
Moses will not be seeing the ‘promised land’ with Nigeria after international retirement
Chelsea’s Victor Moses announces retirement from international football at 27, after appearing 37 times for Nigeria, scoring nine times and winning the 2013 AFCON title with the Super Eagles.
On Wednesday, Chelsea’s Victor Moses shook most in the footballing world after announcing his retirement from international football at the age of 27. Most footballers usually hang up their boots at an average age of 34 or 40 if you are Italian. But Moses’ one is a rare find, even Mesut Ozil’s early retirement at 29 was astounding but maybe justified because of the racism claims he fired against some officials in the German Football Association. Could there be more to Victor’s decision?
Moses was capped 37 times for the Super Eagles and scored 12 times including in the most recent world cup appearance in Russia from the penalty spot in their 2-1 loss to Argentina. Nigeria eventually failed to reach the knockout stages of the tournament after that result. He played at two FIFA World Cup tournaments and won the 2013 African Cup of Nations in South Africa. Moses has chosen to take a bow at a time where most are expecting the Super Eagles to continue building from recent positives and soar to new heights. Could he be missing out on sweeter times in the Nigerian camp?
The Chelsea player who will be under new management in London after the arrival of Maurizio Sarri did not forget to explain his decision.
Victor Moses of Nigeria celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group D match between Nigeria and Argentina at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 26, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
(June 25, 2018 - Source: Gabriel Rossi/Getty Images Europe)
“I have experienced some of the best moments of my life wearing the Super Eagles shirt and have memories with me that will last a lifetime. However, I feel that now is the right time to step away in order to be able to focus fully on my club career and young family, as well as to allow the next generation the opportunity to step up and to flourish. Thank you for the memories and good luck to the team for the future.”