Chelsea winger Victor Moses announced his retirement from the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Wednesday, following a six-year career with the three-time Africa Cup of Nations champions.
Since making his debut in 2012, the 27-year-old provided inspirational moments for the Eagles, and remains held in high esteem in the West African nation.
KwesèESPN highlights five moments of a brilliant international career which came to a surprisingly early end this week.
Nigeria vs. Liberia, October 2012
The Super Eagles faced a tricky tie against Liberia in their second round return leg of the 2013 Afcon qualifiers in Calabar. Having failed to secure qualification for the previous edition, for the first time in 26 years, the onus was on the team led by Stephen Keshi to come good.
The Liberians felt they stood a chance of creating an upset, having held the Nigerians to an entertaining 2-2 draw in Monrovia the previous month.
However, new Chelsea signing Moses had other ideas in only his third outing in front of his home fans, in only his sixth international appearance, as he netted a brace in a brilliant individual showing.
He led the Super Eagles to a comfortable 6-1 win against the Leone Stars, and they went on to qualify for the 2013 Afcon event.
Nigeria vs. Ethiopia, January 2013
Nigeria were staring elimination in the face at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, after securing two points in their opening two group C games.
The Super Eagles found it difficult to break down a resolute Ethiopia side in Rustenburg and looked doomed for the exit door at the group stage.
But Moses' pair of penalties in the final 10 minutes of regulation time, after impressively earning both spot kicks himself, sealed a 2-0 win for Nigeria, a victory which propelled the team to a third continental title.
Nigeria vs. Algeria, November 2016
Having missed the opening 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier away to Zambia due to an injury-enforced late minute withdrawal, Moses made a big statement upon his return on matchday two.
The Super Eagles were home to the highly-rated Algeria at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, but for the umpteenth time were inspired by Moses' classy individual performance.
The Chelsea man struck twice, in the 24th and 90th minutes, as Nigeria cruised to a 3-1 home win and a comfortable lead at the top of the group.
Nigeria vs. Cameroon, September 2017
Nigeria's preparations for a decisive 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against African champions Cameroon in Uyo looked shaky.
The Super Eagles had surprisingly lost at home to Bafana Bafana of South Africa in their opening 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, and, to rub salt into the wound, were denied the availability of first-choice goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, who was diagnosed with leukaemia two months before the clash.
Moses, however, did have other brilliant plans on matchday, his eye-catching display sealed his status as "Nigeria's Mr qualifier," notching a goal in the 4-0 humiliation -- his third of the World Cup qualifiers -- as the Super Eagles neutralised the prowess of the humbled Indomitable Lions.
Nigeria vs. Poland, March 2018
Nigeria's build-up to the showpiece event in Russia hit top gear with the Super Eagles engaging Poland in the second of six pre-tournament friendlies.
The Eagles had struggled to breakdown their hosts, despite creating chances in patches on a freezing night in Wroclaw. If there was any player in green able to make something happen, then it had to be Moses, and he duly weaved his magic at the right moment.
He burst into the area with his impressive strength and footwork, subsequently earning a spot kick. He converted the resultant penalty, which preserved his 100 percent record from the spot for Nigeria, leading the Super Eagles to a 1-0 victory and his 11th international goal.