Ahmed Musa, Nigeria’s most capped footballer, has drawn the curtain on his international career, announcing his retirement from the Super Eagles after nearly 15 years of representing the national team at the highest level.
The 33-year-old forward made the announcement via a statement posted on social media on Wednesday afternoon, marking the end of a distinguished international career that saw him amass 111 caps and become one of Nigeria’s most decorated modern players.
“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 stated in his retirement message. “From the very first call-up, wearing the green and white meant everything to me.”
Musa’s international journey began as a teenager when he received simultaneous call-ups to Nigeria’s Under-20, Under-23, and senior national teams. Reflecting on those early days, he said, “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.”
The Kaduna-born winger’s international career reached its zenith in 2013 when he was part of the Super Eagles squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, defeating Burkina Faso 1-0 in the final. According to Musa, “Winning the 2013 AFCON will always stand out. That team showed what it meant to play for Nigeria.”
Musa etched his name in Nigerian football history at the FIFA World Cup, becoming the first Nigerian player to score more than once in a single World Cup match when he netted twice against Argentina in the 2014 tournament in Brazil. Four years later, he repeated the feat against Iceland at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, becoming the first Nigerian to score in two different World Cups and Nigeria’s all-time leading World Cup goalscorer with four goals.
“Scoring at the World Cup, against Argentina and Iceland, are memories I will always carry with me,” Musa reflected. “To score four goals at the World Cup and be Nigeria’s highest goalscorer on that stage is something I am truly grateful for.”
Throughout his international career, Musa represented Nigeria at two FIFA World Cups (2014 and 2018), three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments (2013, 2019, and 2021), and served as Super Eagles captain on numerous occasions, providing leadership both on and off the pitch.
The former CSKA Moscow, Leicester City, and Al Nassr forward acknowledged the support system that sustained his international career, thanking teammates, coaches, backroom staff, and administrators. He also expressed gratitude to Nigerian supporters at home and across the diaspora for their unwavering backing throughout his tenure.
“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 concluded.
At club level, Musa returned to Kano Pillars in October 2024 for his third stint with the Nigeria Professional Football League side where he began his professional career. The four-time NPFL champions announced ahead of the 2025–26 season that Musa would take on the role of general manager, combining his playing duties with administrative responsibilities.
