Nigerian football legend Ahmed Musa has announced his retirement from international football, ending a distinguished 15-year career with the Super Eagles that saw him become the most capped player in the nation’s history.
News.ng reports that his retirement comes barely two weeks after William Troost-Ekong retired from the Super Eagles.
The 32-year-old forward, who earned 111 caps for Nigeria, made the announcement in an emotional statement reflecting on a journey that began when he was simultaneously invited to the U-20, U-23, and senior national teams.
“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’s international career is decorated with significant achievements, most notably Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner and memorable performances on football’s biggest stage. He remains Nigeria’s highest goalscorer at the World Cup with four goals, including strikes against Argentina and Iceland at the 2018 tournament in Russia.
“Winning the 2013 AFCON will always stand out. That team showed what it meant to play for Nigeria,” Musa recalled. “Scoring at the World Cup, against Argentina and Iceland, are memories I will always carry with me. To score four goals at the World Cup and be Nigeria’s highest goalscorer on that stage is something I am truly grateful for.”
The former Leicester City and CSKA Moscow winger also served as captain of the Super Eagles, a role he described as transformative. “Wearing the armband taught me a lot, about responsibility, patience, and putting others first,” he said. “It was never about being in charge, but about helping the team, supporting younger players, and standing up for the badge.”
Reflecting on his early days with the national team, Musa emphasised his unwavering commitment despite the demanding schedule. “I was young, still learning, and always travelling, but I never complained. Whenever Nigeria called, I showed up. It was never something I had to think twice about,” he stated.
The record-breaking player expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country. “Playing 111 matches for my country is something I hold with deep respect. To become the most capped player in the history of Nigerian football is a great honour,” Musa said. “Every time I wore the jersey, I understood the responsibility that came with it.”
In his farewell message, Musa thanked teammates, coaches, staff, and fans for their support throughout his journey. “Football gave me a career, but Nigeria gave me meaning,” he said. “To the fans at home and abroad, in stadiums and in front of their TVs, your support meant more to me than you know.”
Concluding his statement with characteristic humility and optimism, Musa said: “As I step away from international football, I do so with peace and gratitude. I know I gave my best. I know the Super Eagles will continue to move forward. And I know that this bond will never be broken. Once an Eagle, always an Eagle.”
Musa’s retirement marks the end of an era for Nigerian football, as one of the nation’s most dedicated and accomplished players steps away from the international stage.
