'It’s no big deal!' – Lawal plays down Victor Moses retirement

There is no big deal in Victor Moses announcing his international retirement, according to former Nigeria midfielder Garba Lawal.

The 27-year-old pulled the curtain on his international career, six years after making his debut for the Super Eagles.

In a post on his Twitter account, Moses wrote about his service to his fatherland and the need to quit to focus on club and family commitments.

And with football fans thinking the retirement was hasty, the 44-year-old insists 'it’s no big deal' as the country is blessed with talented footballers.

“It’s not a big deal!  that is his choice – he chose to play for Nigeria and now he has decided not to play,” Lawal told Goal.

“Is Victor Moses expecting us to beg him to play for the country? No one does that because Nigeria is such a big country with several talents.

“Every footballers’ dream is to play for his country and feature at international championships and if someone chooses otherwise, why not let him be?

“Kudos to Moses for his contributions and efforts, you cannot take that away from him but I think we must respect his decision.”

The former Roda JC star also responded to claims that Moses’ departure might affect the country’s chances of qualifying for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nation.

“We have had great footballers who quit the national team and Super Eagles did not end,” he continued.

“Did we not qualify for international tournaments after the great ‘Jay Jay’ [Okocha] and Nwankwo Kanu retired?

“Remember there are thousands of players out there who are begging to play for the country. If Victor Moses doesn’t quit, it will be difficult for another player to be given a chance.”

The former Wigan winger ended his international career with 37 caps and 12 goals. He played in two World Cups, and also helped the Super Eagles lift the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.