Nigeria’s most capped international footballer, Ahmed Musa, has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a distinguished Super Eagles career that spanned nearly 15 years, MySportDab Reports.
The 33-year-old forward confirmed his decision in an emotional statement shared on social media, just days after stand-in captain William Troost-Ekong also called time on his Nigeria career.
Musa’s announcement follows his omission from the Super Eagles squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to kick off in Morocco on December 21.
“After a lot of thought, I have decided to retire from international football, bringing to an end almost 15 years with the Super Eagles,” Musa wrote. “Wearing the green and white meant everything to me. Whenever Nigeria called, I showed up.”
Musa rose to national prominence through his performances with Kano Pillars before making his senior debut for Nigeria in September 2010 at just 17 years old, replacing John Obi Mikel in an AFCON qualifier against Madagascar.
He scored his first international goal in a friendly against Kenya in March 2011, beginning a career that would see him become a central figure for the national team.
Over the course of his international journey, Musa earned a record 111 caps, surpassing legends Vincent Enyeama and Joseph Yobo to become Nigeria’s most capped player.
He scored 16 goals for the Super Eagles and played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations triumph in South Africa.
The former Leicester City and CSKA Moscow winger also etched his name into history as Nigeria’s highest goalscorer at the FIFA World Cup, netting four goals across tournaments, including memorable strikes against Argentina and Iceland.
Musa captained the Super Eagles during different phases of his career and was widely respected for his leadership, professionalism and commitment to the national cause.
“As I step away, I do so with peace and gratitude,” he added. “Once an Eagle, always an Eagle.”
Musa leaves behind a legacy defined by loyalty, longevity and historic achievements in Nigerian football.
