Ahmed Musa has announced his retirement from international football, ending a distinguished 15-year career with the Super Eagles that saw him become Nigeria’s most capped player and one of the country’s most decorated modern internationals.
Musa made the announcement in a statement shared on social media on Wednesday afternoon, reflecting on his journey and the pride he felt representing Nigeria.
“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.”
Recalling the early stages of his international career, Musa said he was still a teenager when his journey began, noting that he was invited simultaneously to the U-20, U-23 and senior national teams.
“I was young, still learning, and always travelling, but I never complained,” he said. “Whenever Nigeria called, I showed up. It was never something I had to think twice about.”
The former captain also highlighted the significance of earning 111 caps for Nigeria, a record in the country’s football history.
“Playing 111 matches for my country is something I hold with deep respect,” Musa said. “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.”
Musa was a key member of the Super Eagles squad that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and went on to make history as the first Nigerian to score more than once in a FIFA World Cup match, achieving the feat against Argentina at the 2014 tournament. He later became the first Nigerian to score in two World Cups after netting twice against Iceland at the 2018 edition.
“Winning the 2013 AFCON will always stand out,” he said. “That team showed what it truly 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 expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaches, backroom staff and football administrators for their support throughout his career, while also thanking Nigerian fans at home and abroad for their unwavering backing.
The 33-year-old said he was leaving international football with a sense of fulfilment and confidence that the Super Eagles would continue to progress.
“As I step away from international football, I do so with peace and gratitude,” he said. “I know I gave my best. I know the Super Eagles will continue to move forward. And I know this bond will never be broken. Once an Eagle, always an Eagle.”
At club level, Musa returned to Kano Pillars in October 2024 for a third stint and has remained with the four-time Nigeria Professional Football League champions. He is set to take up the role of general manager ahead of the 2025–26 season.
