Ahmed Musa retires from Super Eagles after 15 years
Story by Mercy Adaje
Ahmed Musa has officially announced his retirement from international football, ending a remarkable 15-year career with the Super Eagles. The former captain bows out as Nigeria’s most capped player and one of the country’s most accomplished footballers of the modern era.
Musa made the announcement on Wednesday via a statement shared on social media, reflecting on his long journey and the honour of representing Nigeria.
“After careful reflection, I have decided to retire from international football, bringing to an end nearly 15 years with the Super Eagles,” he said. “From my very first call-up, wearing the green and white meant everything to me.”
Recalling the early stages of his career, Musa said he was still a teenager when he began his international journey, receiving invitations to the U-20, U-23, and senior national teams simultaneously.
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“I was young, constantly travelling, and still learning the game, but I never complained. Whenever Nigeria called, I answered without hesitation,” he noted.
The 33-year-old highlighted reaching 111 appearances for Nigeria as one of his proudest achievements.
“Playing 111 matches for my country and becoming the most capped player in Nigeria’s history is a great honour. Every time I wore the jersey, I understood the responsibility that came with it.”
Musa was part of the Super Eagles squad that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. He also made history at the FIFA World Cup, becoming the first Nigerian to score more than one goal in a single World Cup match when he netted twice against Argentina in 2014. He later became the first Nigerian to score in two different World Cups, scoring twice against Iceland at the 2018 tournament.
“Winning the 2013 AFCON will always stand out for me,” he said. “Scoring at the World Cup against Argentina and Iceland are memories I will cherish forever. To score four World Cup goals and be Nigeria’s top scorer at that level is something I’m deeply grateful for.”
Musa expressed appreciation to his teammates, coaches, support staff, football administrators, and Nigerian fans at home and abroad for their unwavering support throughout his career.
“As I step away from international football, I do so with peace and gratitude. I know I gave my best. The Super Eagles will continue to move forward, and this bond will never be broken. Once an Eagle, always an Eagle,” he concluded.
READ ALSO: Ahmed Musa returns to Super Eagles squad ahead of 2025 Unity Cup
At club level, Musa returned to Kano Pillars in October 2024 for his third spell with the club. He currently remains with the four-time NPFL champions and is set to assume the role of general manager ahead of the 2025–26 season.
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