Delighted to return after 7 months out – Nigeria’s AFCON winner on making injury comeback

Former Nigerian international and 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner Victor Moses has expressed his delight at returning to competitive football after seven months on the sidelines due to injury.

Moses, who currently plays for Spartak Moscow, made his return in a Russian Premier League game against Akhmat Grozny at the Otkritie Bank Arena on Saturday. The match ended in a goalless draw, but Moses was pleased to have made his long-awaited return.

The 32-year-old had last played for Spartak Moscow more than half a year ago, on August 6, 2022, when he suffered a serious injury against Ural, which required surgery.

After months of intense rehabilitation and hard work, Moses finally returned to action.

Before his comeback, Moses had been a non-playing substitute in back-to-back matches against Ural and Orenburg before the international break in March. However, he finally got to take to the field against Akhmat Grozny, replacing Ignatov in the 62nd minute.

Moses had made a significant impact before his injury, scoring two goals in five appearances for Spartak Moscow this season. But he could not inspire Spartak to win on Saturday.

Still, the former Chelsea and Inter Milan ace took to social media after the game to express his gratitude to his supporters, saying: “Difficult game today but a well-earned point. On a personal note delighted to return to the team today after 7 months out. Thanks to everyone who’s supported me to get back on the pitch.”

Spartak Moscow are currently third in the Russian Premier League standings with 41 points, ten points behind leaders Zenit Saint Petersburg.

With Moses back in action, the club will be hoping to close the gap and push for the top spot in the remaining games of the season.