Ahmed Musa has officially announced his retirement from international football, drawing the curtain on a remarkable 15-year journey with the Super Eagles that established him as Nigeria’s most capped player and one of the country’s most influential modern internationals.
The former captain made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon through a heartfelt statement shared on social media, reflecting on his beginnings, milestones, and the pride he felt representing Nigeria on the global stage.
“After a lot of thought, I have decided to retire from international football, bringing to an end almost 15 years with the Super Eagles,” he said.
“From the very first call-up, wearing the green and white meant everything to me.”
Musa recalled how his international career began while he was still a teenager, juggling multiple national team invitations at once.
“I was just a young boy when the journey started. I remember being invited at the same time to the U-20, U-23 and the Super Eagles. 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.”
Over the years, Musa went on to earn 111 caps for Nigeria, a record that places him at the top of the country’s all-time appearance list.
“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. Every time I wore the jersey, I understood the responsibility that came with it.”
His international career was marked by major achievements and historic moments. Musa was part of the Super Eagles squad that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, a triumph he described as one of the proudest moments of his life.
He also etched his name into World Cup history, becoming the first Nigerian to score more than once in a single World Cup match after netting twice against Argentina at the 2014 tournament. Four years later, he repeated the feat with two goals against Iceland at the 2018 World Cup, making him the first Nigerian to score in two different World Cup
tournaments.
“Winning the 2013 AFCON will always stand out. That team showed what it meant to play for Nigeria.
“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.”
Musa paid tribute to his teammates, coaches, technical staff, administrators, and Nigerian fans both at home and abroad, acknowledging the support he received throughout his career.
As he steps away from the national team, the 33-year-old says he does so with a sense of fulfilment and peace.
“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. Thank you, Nigeria. Thank you for everything,” he said.
At club level, Musa returned to Kano Pillars in October 2024 for a third spell and remains with the four-time NPFL champions, where he has taken on additional responsibility as general manager ahead of the 2025 to 2026 season.
