Versatile Chelsea wideman Victor Moses has announced his retirement from international football after appearing 31 times for Nigeria.

The 27-year-old made his debut in 2012 and represented the Super Eagles at two World Cups, including this summer's competition in Russia.

Moses was used in all three of his national side's group matches and netted in the 2-1 loss to Argentina in St Petersburg, with that proving to be his final match for Nigeria.

In a statement published on Instagram, Moses said: "I would like to announce that after much thought I have made the decision to retire from playing international football. I have experienced some of the best moments of my life wearing the Super Eagles shirt and have memories with me that will last a lifetime. Nothing will ever compete to what it felt like to represent Nigeria on behalf of our country.

"However, I feel that now is the right time to step away in order to be able to focus fully on club career and my young family as well as to allow the next generation of Super Eagles stars the opportunity to step up and to flourish. We are blessed as a nation to have so many exciting young players coming through and now is their time.

"There are so many highlights that stand out for me over the years; from making my debut, to playing in two World Cups and being a part of the team to win the African Nations Cup for first time for our nation since 1994 being just a few of them. I have already spoken to the manager by telephone and would like to say thank you to him and his staff, the NFF and all of my teammates for all of their support over the years.

"Most importantly, I would like to say thank you to the Nigerian people for believing in me and supporting me over the years. It's meant the world to me and my family and I will always be a proud Nigerian supporting the team. Thank you for the memories and good luck to the team for the future."

Moses was part of the Nigeria side that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013.