Ahmed Musa bows out of Super Eagles after 15 years

Super Eagles forward Ahmed Musa has announced his retirement from international football, ending a long and successful 15-year spell with the Nigerian national team, Very Nigerian reports.

The announcement was made on Wednesday afternoon through a statement shared on his social media platforms, where Musa looked back on his career and described the honour of representing Nigeria at the highest level.

Musa exits the national team as Nigeria’s most capped player and one of the country’s most successful footballers in recent times, having featured in major tournaments and played a key role for the Super Eagles over the years.

Explaining his decision, he said, “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.”

Recalling the early days of his international career, Musa 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. It was never something I had to think twice about.”

Musa also highlighted the honour of reaching 111 caps for Nigeria.

“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 was part of the squad that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and made 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, netting twice against Iceland in 2018. He pointed to that as moments he will always treasure.

He 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 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.”

He thanked his teammates, coaches, backroom staff and administrators for believing in him throughout his career, while also expressing gratitude to Nigerian fans at home and abroad for their unwavering support.

The 33-year-old said he steps away from international football with peace and gratitude, confident that he gave his best and that the Super Eagles will continue to move forward.

“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 stint and has remained with the four-time Nigeria Professional Football League champions, taking on the role of general manager ahead of the 2025–26 season.

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