Ahmed Musa retires from international football

Ahmed Musa has announced his retirement from international football, ending a 15-year career with the Super Eagles during which he became Nigeria’s most capped player and one of the country’s most accomplished footballers of his generation.

Musa made the announcement in a statement shared on his social media platforms on Wednesday.

“After a lot of thought, I have decided to retire from international football, bringing to an end almost 15 years with the Super Eagles. From the very first call-up, wearing the green and white meant everything to me,” Musa said.

The 33-year-old recalled his early years in the national team setup, noting that his rise coincided with invitations to multiple national teams at the same time.

“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,” he said.

Musa retires as Nigeria’s most capped international, having made 111 appearances for the Super Eagles. He described the milestone as a source of pride and responsibility.

“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,” he said.

During his international career, Musa won the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria in 2013 and set several records at the FIFA World Cup.

He became the first Nigerian to score more than once in a single World Cup match, netting twice against Argentina in 2014, and later became the first Nigerian to score in two World Cups after his brace against Iceland in 2018.

“Winning the 2013 AFCON will always stand out. 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 said.

He expressed appreciation to his teammates, coaches, support staff and football administrators, as well as Nigerian fans at home and abroad, for their support throughout his international career.

“As I step away from international football, I do so with peace and gratitude. I know I gave my best, and I believe the Super Eagles will continue to move forward,” he said.

At club level, Musa returned to Kano Pillars in October 2024 for a third spell with the Nigeria Professional Football League side.

He currently serves as general manager of the club ahead of the 2025–26 season.

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