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Nigeria’s former captain, Ahmed Musa, has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a Super Eagles career that spanned almost 15 years and included winning the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Musa, 33, made the announcement on Wednesday in a statement posted on social media, describing his time with the national team as a source of pride.
“Dear Nigerians, Dear Super Eagles family, 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 wrote on X.
The winger thanked fans, teammates, coaches, and officials for their support throughout his time with the Super Eagles.
“Football gave me a career, but Nigeria gave me meaning. To my teammates over the years, the coaches, backroom staff, and administrators, thank you for believing in me,” he wrote.
“To the fans at home and abroad, in stadiums and in front of their TVs, your support meant more to me than you know. 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.”
Ahmed Musa is one of Nigeria’s highest goalscorers at the World Cup, with four goals, scoring twice against Argentina at the 2014 tournament in Brazil and repeating the feat against Iceland at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
He began his career with Kano Pillars before moving to Europe, where he played for clubs including CSKA Moscow in Russia, VVV-Venlo in the Netherlands, Leicester City in England, and Turkish sides Fatih Karagümrük and Sivasspor. He also featured for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, helping the club win the league title.
Musa returned to Kano Pillars in September 2024 and was later appointed the club’s general manager. His retirement follows that of defender William Troost-Ekong, who recently stepped away from international duty.
