By Ghazali Ibrahim
Nigeria’s most capped footballer, Ahmed Musa, has officially announced his retirement from international football, drawing the curtain on a remarkable 15-year career with the Super Eagles.
In a statement shared on X, the 33-year-old forward expressed gratitude for the honour of representing Nigeria, calling it a journey filled with “pride, passion, and unwavering love for my country.”
“After much reflection, I have decided to retire from international football. I want to say THANK YOU to Nigeria for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to wear the green and white with pride,” Musa wrote.
Debuting for the national team in 2010 at just 17, Musa went on to make 111 appearances; the most in Nigeria’s history and scored several crucial goals, becoming a fan favourite and team leader.
He was part of the 2013 AFCON-winning squad and made history by becoming Nigeria’s all-time top scorer at the FIFA World Cup, with four goals including memorable braces against Argentina in 2014 and Iceland in 2018.
Musa’s leadership extended beyond the pitch, as he captained the Super Eagles and mentored younger players through two generations of the national team.
Tributes have poured in from fans, teammates, and the Nigeria Football Federation, celebrating a player widely regarded as one of the most committed and humble ambassadors of Nigerian football.
His retirement comes just ahead of the 2025 AFCON tournament in Côte d’Ivoire, where his absence will be felt both on and off the field.
