Ahmed MUSA retires from international football after a 15-year career with the Super Eagles

Ahmed Musa, the most-capped international in Nigerian history and a pivotal player in one of the Super Eagles’ most prosperous periods, has announced his retirement from international football, after a dazzling 15-year career with the national squad.

On Wednesday, the former Leicester City forward made the news, calling his time with the Super Eagles a source of great pride, thankfulness, and satisfaction.

Musa made the announcement after giving careful thought to a career that started when he was just a youngster, in an emotional speech to the Super Eagles family and Nigerians.

Having spent nearly 15 years with the Super Eagles, I have made the decision to retire from international football after giving it careful consideration.

I’ve loved wearing the green and white since my first call-up,” Musa wrote.

The Kano native, affectionately known as “The Governor,” thanked the supporters, coaches, players, and officials who helped him along the way in his international career.

“I had a career in football, but Nigeria gave me purpose.”

“Thank you to all of my teammates over the years, coaches, backroom crew, and administrators for having faith in me.”

“To the supporters both domestically and internationally, in stadiums and in front of their TVs, your support meant more to me than you realize,” he continued.

Musa makes 111 appearances for Nigeria before retiring as the most-capped Super Eagle in history.

He made his debut at the age of just 17 and went on to become a key member of the national team, captaining the squad and competing for the nation in several FIFA World Cups and Africa Cup of Nations competitions.

In 2013, he was a member of the Super Eagles team that won the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, which was his greatest continental accomplishment.

As Nigeria’s top goal scorer at the FIFA World Cup, Musa made history on the international scene by scoring four goals in two competitions.

One of Nigeria’s most iconic World Cup memories is his incredible brace against Argentina in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

In 2018, he did the same in Russia, scoring twice as Nigeria overcame Iceland 2-0.

After starting his career with Kano Pillars, Musa moved to Europe and had stints of success with CSKA Moscow in Russia, VVV-Venlo in the Netherlands, and Fatih Karagümrük and Sivasspor in Turkey.

In addition, he made appearances for Leicester City in the English Premier League and was instrumental in the Saudi Arabian team Al Nassr’s league victory.

After rejoining Kano Pillars as a player in September 2024, Musa was named the club’s general manager, ushering in a new era of his football career off the field.

When Nigeria came second to hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, the 33-year-old was last called up to the Super Eagles squad.

In spite of the fact that he did not play in any tournament matches, his presence was considered essential for the squad’s leadership and expertise.

A gradual generational shift within the Super Eagles is shown by Musa’s retirement, which comes shortly after defender William Troost-Ekong decided to retire from international football.

Musa leaves behind a legacy characterized by longevity, professionalism, leadership, and steadfast dedication to the national cause as he steps down.

“I offered everything.” I’m confident in the Super Eagles’ ability to advance.

“And I am confident that this connection will never be severed. An Eagle is an Eagle forever, he said.

Nigeria currently honors a player whose name will live on in Super Eagles history as one of its best servants.