Nigeria’s most capped international footballer, Ahmed Musa, has announced his retirement from the Super Eagles, bringing to an end a distinguished international career that spanned nearly 15 years.
Musa made the announcement in a statement shared on his social media platforms on Wednesday, reflecting on his journey and the immense pride of representing Nigeria on the global stage.
According to him, the decision followed careful reflection, describing the privilege of wearing the green-and-white jersey as both an honour and a responsibility he carried from his very first call-up.
He recalled that he was still a teenager when he received his first invitation to the national team, revealing that he was called up simultaneously to the U-20, U-23 and senior teams.
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Despite the demands of international football and constant travel, Musa said he never hesitated whenever Nigeria called.
The former Super Eagles captain ends his international career with 111 appearances, a national record that cements his status as Nigeria’s most capped player—a milestone he described as a deep personal honour.
Musa was a key member of the squad that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, one of the high points of his international journey. He also etched his name into history at the FIFA World Cup, becoming the first Nigerian to score twice in a single match against Argentina at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
He repeated the feat against Iceland in 2018, making him the first Nigerian to score in two different World Cups.
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He noted that the 2013 AFCON triumph and his four World Cup goals remain defining moments of his career and lasting symbols of what it meant to play for Nigeria.
At club level, Musa returned to Kano Pillars in October 2024 for a third stint. He is now set to transition into management, with plans to assume the role of general manager ahead of the 2025–26 season.
Musa’s retirement marks the end of an era for Nigerian football, as fans and teammates celebrate a career defined by dedication, leadership and historic achievements in the green and white.