Former Nigeria midfielder Garba Lawal believes the announcement of Victor Moses' retirement from international football "is not a big deal".

The Chelsea fullback announced his retirement from Nigeria on Wednesday, citing his desire to focus on club football as the reason for quitting the Super Eagles.

But Lawal doesn't believes the country are at a complete loss without the 27-year-old.

"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."