Ahmed Musa, Nigeria’s most capped footballer, has formally announced his retirement from international football, bringing to an end a distinguished Super Eagles career that lasted almost 15 years.
Musa made the announcement in a statement released on Wednesday, in which he reflected on his long journey with the national team and the deep pride he felt representing Nigeria at the highest level.
“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 said. “From the very first call-up, wearing the green and white meant everything to me.”
The former Super Eagles captain recalled how his international career began at a remarkably young age, when he received invitations to multiple national teams simultaneously.
“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,” he said.
Over the course of his career, Musa earned 111 caps for Nigeria, a record that makes him the most capped player in the country’s football history. Describing the achievement as a rare honour, he said the responsibility of wearing the national jersey was never lost on him.
“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,” Musa stated.
Musa was a key member of the Super Eagles squad that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, a triumph that ended Nigeria’s 19-year wait for the continental title. He also etched his name into World Cup history with memorable performances on football’s biggest stage.
At the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, Musa scored twice against Argentina, becoming the first Nigerian to score more than one goal in a single World Cup match. He repeated the feat four years later at the 2018 tournament in Russia, scoring twice against Iceland. That achievement made him the first Nigerian to score in two different World Cups and Nigeria’s highest goalscorer in the competition’s history.
Reflecting on those moments, Musa said: “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 cherish. To score four goals at the World Cup and be Nigeria’s highest goalscorer on that stage is something I am truly grateful for.”
As he bowed out of international football, Musa expressed gratitude to those who supported him throughout his career, including teammates, coaches, football administrators and Nigerian fans at home and abroad.
“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 with the Nigeria Professional Football League side. He has since been appointed general manager of the club ahead of the 2025–2026 NPFL season, marking a new phase in his career as he transitions from an active footballer to an administrator.
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