The story of Victor Moses potentially coming out of retirement to dawn the famous the green-white-green did not come as a huge surprise to me, I must confess.
When the former England Youth International scored the only Super Eagles goal in the ill-fated infamous last group game against Argentina at the 2018 World Cup via a penalty, the way he celebrated revealed a player still relishing international football.
With the initial chaos that ensued following the issuance of that penalty kick after Balogun was bundled to the ground by Mascharano inside the penalty box, Moses remained icey cool throughout before calmly sending Armani the wrong way to temporarily breathe life into the Super Eagles campaign.
He then ran to the corner flag triumphantly after two somersaults - punching passionately at the Nigeria crest on his chest - pointing and speaking to a section of the crowd joyfully in a true Nigerian spirit, giving hope to a campaign that sadly proved short-lived.
That gesture pointedly showed no inkling of a player contemplating the future of his national team career.
Now, over the months I have argued vehemently with Super Eagles fans on various platforms that Victor Moses was not at all to be blamed for the goal scored by Rojo that knocked Nigeria out the world cup in 86 minutes (something that made many fans hate Gernot Rohr to this day - which they sadly allow to cloud their subsequent judgment of the coach).
I believed then and still hold firmly to the same view now that center defensive shortcomings led to Rojo's sucker punch in the dying minutes. As Victor Moses sensed the danger, he ran frantically to leave his own wingback post to help out the center defence, only to be a fraction of a minute late.
Did that disappointment and unfair/unjust criticism lead to Moses' premature resignation from the national team immediately afterwards? I don't think so.
I have always seen Moses as a player who cherry-picks the matches he played for Nigeria. He would often pick and choose which encounters he featured, often electing for high profile friendlies and competitive matches.
Now, the rumour is that Victor Moses plans to return to the Super Eagles for one year only, next year an Afcon and potential world cup year with meaty matches and tasty friendlies.
Rather convenient, wouldn't you say?
This pick-and-choose attitude brought criticisms from certain fans and myself at times. But Victor Moses can get away with it because he is a huge fan-favourite.
And judging by the exhilarating reception to the news of his potential return to the national team, a cross section of stakeholders won't give a damn whether he cherry-picks matches.
Most fans will just be glad to see Victor Moses back in green-white-green !
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