When Pastor Austine Moses and his wife, Josephine, welcomed their son Victor into the world, they were filled with hope and faith, believing he was destined for greatness under God’s guidance. They raised him with strong Christian values in Kaduna, a region of Nigeria troubled by religious violence. As part of their evangelical mission, they spread the gospel and offered help to those in need, regardless of their background.
Understanding Victor Moses: A Story of Pain, Faith, Resilience, and Redemption
The Kaduna riots of 2000, sparked by tensions over the introduction of Sharia law in Kaduna State, led to tragic consequences. Over 5,000 people lost their lives, including Victor Moses’ parents, Pastor and Mrs Austine and Josephine Moses. Victor, only 11 years old at the time, lost both his parents to the violence.
Amidst the turmoil, the British government intervened to help stabilize the situation. Following this traumatic loss, Victor was able to emigrate to the United Kingdom, seeking asylum and a fresh start.
This biography delves into the incredible journey of Victor Moses, from his painful beginnings in Nigeria to becoming a prominent figure in the football world. His story is one of resilience, faith, and triumph over adversity, showing how he transformed his life and found a new purpose on and off the field. Let’s dive into the inspiring life of a man who turned tragedy into strength.
Victor Moses Childhood Story – Early Life and Family Background:
The early childhood years of Victor Moses.
For Biography starters, Victor Moses was born on December 12, 1990, in Lagos, Nigeria, to his father, Pastor Austine Moses and mother, Mrs Josephine Moses (Both Late).
His parents were missionaries who once lived in Kaduna State, Nigeria. They gave birth to him during their old age.
They brought Victor up in a strict Christian faith, which became the central point of his life during his growing-up years.
He spent his entire childhood following and watching his parents preach the gospel of God to multitudes.
Pastor and Mrs Moses have devoted Christians who were part of an indigenous church-planting movement in Nigeria.
Victor Moses Parent’s Death – The Kaduna Riot:
Pastor Austin and Mrs Josephine Moses.
It is pertinent to start that their evangelical movement was motivated by the love of God. In Kaduna, they preached the gospel and met human needs without discrimination.
They understood the risk of practising and spreading their faith in non-friendly areas.
However, one thing was uncertain. Little did they know they would meet their death while playing mediator roles in settling disputes between Christians and Muslims.
This is the case of the Kaduna Muslim/Christian Riot, which took their lives in the year 2000.
Brief about the Kaduna Riot:
The 2000 Kaduna riots were religious riots in Kaduna involving Christians and Muslims over the introduction of sharia law in Kaduna State, Nigeria.
The riot involved heavy fighting between Muslims and Christians that lasted from 21st February until 23 May 2000.
Around 5,000 deaths were recorded. Pastor Austin and Josephine Moses were among the early to have died.
How the Year 2000 Kaduna Riot started:
In February 2000, the governor of Kaduna announced the implementation of Sharia law in the state, sparking intense unrest. Kaduna is a diverse region, where nearly half the population practices Christianity. In response to the announcement, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) organized a protest in Kaduna city.
The situation escalated rapidly as clashes erupted between Christian and Muslim youths. What began as a protest quickly spiraled into widespread violence and destruction, affecting both communities. This period of turmoil is often divided into two waves, known as “Sharia 1” and “Sharia 2.”
The first wave of violence occurred from February 21 to 25, with more bloodshed continuing into March. This initial outbreak claimed many lives, including those of Victor Moses’ parents. A second wave of violence then swept through the region from May 22 to 23, causing further devastation.
For young Victor Moses, losing his parents during the first wave of violence was a life-altering tragedy. This heartbreaking event forced him to flee Nigeria, ultimately finding refuge and hope in the United Kingdom. His story is one of resilience and strength, rising from the shadows of a violent past to build a remarkable career in football.
Victor Moses Biography – Escaping Death and Becoming a Refugee:
Young Victor Moses, in his early career days.
Victor Moses was just 11 years old when his world was turned upside down by a devastating tragedy. In the year 2000, violent clashes erupted between Muslim and Christian communities in Kaduna State, Nigeria. His parents, prominent figures in the local Christian community, were tragically murdered by extremists during this period of unrest.
Fortunately, Victor was not at home when the attack occurred. He was playing football with his friends in a distant town, completely unaware of the horrors unfolding back home. When he learned of his parents’ fate, he was not only grief-stricken but also terrified. He was informed that he could be the next target, as the attackers intended to eliminate his entire family.
Fearing for his life, Victor’s friends took swift action, helping him find a hiding place to ensure his safety. This marked the beginning of his life as a refugee. From this dark chapter, Victor Moses emerged with incredible resilience, eventually finding a new home in the United Kingdom, where he pursued his passion for football and built an inspiring career.
Becoming an Asylum Seeker:
It was the British Government’s intervention that calmed the situation at Kaduna. They intervened by accepting only a few refugees from Kaduna.
Victor Moses was accepted because his parents were known to have been killed while playing diplomatic functions during the riot.
After the traumatic incident, Victor emigrated to the United Kingdom and sought asylum there. He had a Nigerian-based uncle who supported him.
A family from South London accepted the responsibility to take care of him. He actually arrived in England at the age of 11.
According to Victor Moses,
“England at first glance looked like heaven. I felt I could see my parents there.
It was a place completely unknown to me. Somewhere so away from Kaduna. Upon my arrival, I knew absolutely no one there”
While in London, his dream to continue playing football and becoming a football star was rekindled.
Becoming a Refugee / Asylum Seeker:
Finding refuge in Britain was a relief for Moses. Once he arrived, he settled into his new life and attended Stanley Technical High School, which is now called Harris Academy, in South Norwood.
The welcoming environment provided him with a fresh start and the support he needed during that challenging time. The school is a namesake to Stanley Nwabali, the famous Nigerian goalkeeper who arrived on the scene years after Moses’ international retirement.
Victor Moses and his football friends at Harris Academy.
While there, he played football in the school’s football club before being scouted by Cosmos FC for the Tandridge youth football league.
Victor Moses Cosmos FC ID Card.
After enjoying a great youth football career at the local Tandridge league for Cosmos 90FC, Crystal Palace approached him even while he was still in high school.
The Crystal Palace FC stadium, Selhurst Park, was just streets away from his school. He played for their under-14 side.
Moses first came into prominence at 14 when he scored over 100 goals for Crystal Palace’s under-14 side.
He helped the club win several cups. In a certain final, he scored all five goals against Grimsby at the Walkers Stadium, Leicester.
Victor Moses at age 14. The untold childhood story.
He was only 14 years old at the time. His first manager, Tony Loizi, described him as “a player you can get from a one in a million chance. He was like a Cristiano Ronaldo of the club”, said Loizi.
Victor Moses enjoyed memorable moments at the club.
One of such includes a time when he took a ball up to the goalkeeper, put the ball through his legs, turned around, chipped it back over his head and then beat him again. The kid was in tears as he absolutely humiliated him.
According to Moses,
“Then the mother of the child came on and started hitting me over my head with her handbag. She asked me, why did I humiliate her son?…”
Victor Moses Bio – Rising to Fame:
Following the departure of Charles N’Zogbia, Moses was bought and became a regular starter for Wigan in the 2011–12 season.
He appeared 74 times and scored eight goals. He was Chelsea’s final attack-minded summer signing, following Eden Hazard, Marko Marin and Oscar.
Victor Moses’ arrival at Chelsea FC.
His arrival at Chelsea marked a crucial milestone in his journey to the top of football, especially considering the immense personal tragedy he had overcome. While this achievement is significant, it is just one part of his larger story of resilience and determination.
Grief for his parents:
Moses still grieves on a few occasions, especially when he played alongside the likes of Alex Iwobi and Mikel Obi for his home country, Nigeria.
The painful memories of the Kaduna Riot, his parent’s death and how he suffered sometimes get to him.
Forgiving Nigeria for what happened to his parents:
Notwithstanding that his parents were murdered in Nigeria when he was just a teenager of 11 years old, that did not deter him from answering the patriotic call and opting to play for his fatherland, Nigeria.
Having already played for England’s youth team and is seen as an upcoming star, Victor’s application to switch nationality went through several issues, mostly as regards England’s approval to move on.
The football governing body, FIFA, finally gave the push after ruling him out on several occasions. He was finally cleared to play for Nigeria in November 2011.
He made his debut in Nigeria’s 6-1 win over Liberia at Calabar to qualify for the 2013 African Cup of Nations.
Victor Moses Family Life:
Starting off, the talented footballer is married and blessed with two children. The first, Brentley Moses, was born in September 2012.
Brentley Moses – Victor Moses’ Son.
Victor Moses also has a daughter, Nyah Moses, who was born in February 2015.
Victor Moses’ daughter-Nyah Moses.
He considers his kids as a lucky charm for him and always celebrates his joyous occasions with them. Victor Moses likes to keep his relationship profile low, and for this reason, he doesn’t like to talk about his personal information.
As I write this Bio, he hasn’t announced whether he is married or not. Victor also does not open his mouth about whether or not he is dating anyone. However, reports indicate this pretty Jamaican girlfriend below is the mother of his children.
Victor Moses’ Girlfriend and wife-to-be.
The Antonio Conte Effect:
Antonio Conte unlocked Victor Moses’s talent at Chelsea. Since then, his path to becoming an automatic starter at Stamford Bridge became straightforward. Jose Mourinho regrets not utilizing Moses during the time he managed a Chelsea team that boasts names like Willian, Egyptian Mo Salah and Belgian Kevin De Bruyne.
Victor Moses- From Grass to Grace.
Moses recently signed a new contract that keeps him in West London until 2021, reportedly worth around £100,000 per week. The 2016/2017 season proved to be a breakthrough year for him at Chelsea. His patience has been remarkable. As he said,
“When a club signs you, they plan to use you at some point. I know Chelsea has many players, but if I get my chance, I just have to seize it.”
At the time of writing this bio, Victor Moses has just returned to English Football by joining Luton Town.
Personal Life:
Moses, like Ngolo Kante and Lionel Messi, is naturally shy. He likes to speak in hushed and pure British tones.
His determination and resilience are evident, and it’s clear they stem from how he navigated the trauma of his childhood. Moses also reflects on those childhood years when he played football with the rest of his pals on Kaduna streets, which are still fresh.
“I wore no shoes. We simply barefooted, and when a small ball fell at our feet and we started out playing football,” remembers Moses.
Rankings:
Here are Victor Moses’ Rankings, which were obtained from several pieces of research. Victor Moses’ ranking was computed at the time of his prime.
Appreciation Note:
Thank you for taking the time to read our version of Victor Moses’ Biography. We care about accuracy and fairness in our quest to deliver you Nigerian Football Stories. Please stay tuned for more! The History of Ademola Lookman and Wilfried Ndidi will excite you.
