- Ahmed Musa announces retirement from Super Eagles after nearly 15 years
- Forward bows out as Nigeria’s most capped player with 111 appearances
- AFCON 2013 winner and Nigeria’s top World Cup goalscorer
- Musa says representing Nigeria was “an honour and a responsibility”
Ahmed Musa, Nigeria’s most capped footballer, has officially retired from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable Super Eagles career that lasted almost 15 years and defined a generation of Nigerian football.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the former Super Eagles captain reflected on his long journey with the national team, describing it as a privilege to serve Nigeria at the highest level for so many years.
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“After a lot of thought, I have decided to retire from international football, bringing to an end almost 15 years with the Super Eagles,” Musa said.
“From the very first call-up, wearing the green and white meant everything to me.”
Musa recalled how his international journey began at a young age, when he was invited simultaneously to Nigeria’s U-20, U-23 and senior national teams.
“I was just a young boy when the journey started. I was always travelling, still learning, but I never complained. Whenever Nigeria called, I showed up,” he said.
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The former CSKA Moscow and Leicester City forward leaves the national team as Nigeria’s most capped player, having made 111 appearances for the Super Eagles.
“Playing 111 matches for my country is something I hold with deep respect. Becoming the most capped player in Nigeria’s history is a great honour,” Musa stated.
Musa was a key member of the Super Eagles squad that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and etched his name into World Cup history by scoring twice against Argentina in 2014. He later repeated the feat against Iceland in 2018, becoming the first Nigerian to score in two different FIFA World Cups.
“Winning the 2013 AFCON and scoring at the World Cup are memories I will always carry with me,” he said. “To score four World Cup goals for Nigeria is something I am truly grateful for.”
He thanked his teammates, coaches, administrators and Nigerian fans for their unwavering support throughout his career.
“As I step away from international football, I do so with peace and gratitude. Once an Eagle, always an Eagle. Thank you, Nigeria,” Musa added.
At club level, Musa returned to Kano Pillars in October 2024 and has since transitioned into football management, taking up the role of general manager ahead of the 2025–26 Nigeria Professional Football League season.
