Chelsea of England right-wing-back, Victor Moses has received a personal appeal from Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, Melvin Amaju Pinnick to accept the tactical role he has been saddled with in the Super Eagles and put in more commitment to outings with the team.
Following a tepid outing in the Eagles’ first match against Croatia, which they lost 2-0, the team’s technical adviser, Gernot Rohr opted to change tactics and then switched Moses from a winger’s role to the position he plays for Chelsea, only for the star to renege on the plan.
It was gathered that Pinnick and many other dignitaries had to go to the dressing room to specifically impress on Moses the enormity of the task and Nigeria’s expectations of him.
Nigeria must get at least a draw in the clash with Argentina and hopes that Croatia keeps to form by beating Iceland in the group’s decisive encounters on Tuesday.
The matches are scheduled to be played concurrently with the results determining, which country joins leader, Croatia in the second round, and Moses is again expected to play a key role for Nigeria.
In the first game against Croatia, Moses tried several times without success to impress on the fans that he is a super star that deserved preferential treatment from everybody, including the referee.
He dived in attempts to win free kicks when it would have paid Nigeria better if he stayed on his feet and worked to make or score goals, which the country needed in its 0-2 loss to Croatia.
For the second game on Friday, Rohr opted to change tactics to a 3-5-2 formation with Moses as right-wing-back, while skipper John Mikel Obi reverted to the defensive midfield position.
However, Rohr said he was satisfied with Moses’ output during the game against Iceland, but his show of exasperation many times when the Chelsea walked instead of tracking back after misplacing a pass or losing the ball spoke volumes of his feelings.
Moses apparently did not like the decision that restricted him from expressing his talent, but Rohr said he has told all the players to understand the need to sacrifice for the team.
“We called the players and told them why we must change our tactics. I spoke with Mikel and Moses to let them know the need for them to change positions.
“Moses plays as a wing-back for Chelsea and I know he can do the job very well. We will continue to seek the player’s cooperation,” Rohr disclosed.
