Ahmed Musa, Nigeria’s most capped international footballer, has officially announced his retirement from the Super Eagles, bringing an end to an illustrious career that spanned almost 15 years.
Musa, however, remains active at club level with Kano Pillars—where he also serves as General Manager.
The Super Eagles captain made the announcement in an emotional post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, thanking Nigerians for their unwavering support throughout his journey.
“I wore this badge with pride for 15 years. From a 17-year-old boy answering every call to becoming the most capped Super Eagle with 111 appearances. AFCON champion. Nigeria’s highest World Cup goalscorer. Captain. Servant. Believer.”
“I gave everything. Thank you, Nigeria… my heart will always beat green.”
Musa reflected on his humble beginnings, recalling how his national team journey began when he was simultaneously invited to the U-20, U-23, and senior Super Eagles teams.
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 known for his philanthropy, highlighted the honour of reaching 111 caps for Nigeria.
He said, “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’s remarkable international journey traces back to his debut on September 5, 2010, in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar, where he quickly established himself as one of Nigeria’s most promising young talents.
His career since has been defined by landmark achievements, including lifting the AFCON trophy in 2013 and etching his name in history as Nigeria’s top scorer in World Cup finals.
Having worn the armband and served across generations, his departure marks the end of a significant chapter for the national team.
Among his defining achievements was Nigeria’s triumph at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations under the late Stephen Keshi.
“There are moments I will never forget. Winning the 2013 AFCON will always stand out. That team showed what it meant to play for Nigeria.”
Musa also etched his name permanently into World Cup history, becoming Nigeria’s highest goalscorer at the tournament with four goals across two editions.
He said, “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.”
His leadership journey culminated in captaining the Super Eagles, a role he said reshaped his understanding of service.
Musa reserved appreciation for those who shared the journey with him.
“Football gave me a career, but Nigeria gave me meaning.
To my teammates over the years, the coaches, backroom staff, and administrators, thank you for believing in me. To the fans at home and abroad, in stadiums and in front of their TVs, your support meant more to me than you know.”
Once an Eagle, always an Eagle. Thank you, Nigeria. Thank you for everything.”
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