Former Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa has announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on one of the most enduring and decorated careers in Nigeria's football history. Musa, who remains active at club level with Kano Pillars--where he also serves as General Manager--confirmed his decision in a heartfelt message addressed to Nigerians and the Super Eagles family. His announcement comes just days after fellow former captain William Troost-Ekong also bowed out of international football, marking a symbolic changing of the guard within the national team. In a brief yet powerful message, Musa reflected on a journey spanning nearly 15 years at the highest level of international football. He wrote: From a 17-year-old boy answering every call 🇳🇬 to becoming the most capped Super Eagle with 111 appearances. In a longer statement, Musa formally confirmed his retirement and revisited the foundations of a career defined by availability, loyalty and major tournament moments. 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 made his senior debut in 2010 and went on to become the most capped player in Super Eagles history with 111 appearances. 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. I did my best to give everything I had, whether things were going well or not, because playing for Nigeria was always bigger than me." Among his defining achievements was Nigeria's triumph at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations under the late Stephen Keshi. Musa also etched his name permanently into World Cup history, becoming Nigeria's highest goalscorer at the tournament with four goals across two editions. "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. I know I gave my best. I know the Super Eagles will continue to move forward. And I know that this bond will never be broken. While Musa's days in green and white have come to an end, he remains deeply involved in Nigerian football through Kano Pillars, where he continues to play and shape the club's future as General Manager. Ahmed Musa retires as the country's most capped player ever Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn Thank you, Nigeria... my heart will always beat green. 🦅🇳🇬" "From the very first call-up, wearing the green and white meant everything to me. He emphasised the sense of duty that guided his approach to international football. Winning the 2013 AFCON will always stand out. That team showed what it meant to play for Nigeria." "Being captain of the Super Eagles was another important part of my journey. Musa reserved appreciation for those who shared the journey with him. "Football gave me a career, but Nigeria gave me meaning. As he steps away from the international stage, Musa insists he does so with clarity and peace. "As I step away from international football, I do so with peace and gratitude.

Nigeria: 'I Know I Gave My Best,' Says Ahmed Musa As He Retires From International Football

AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 120 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct. 17 December 2025 Premium Times (Abuja) Tagged: Nigeria West Africa Sport Soccer Tagged: Nigeria West Africa Sport Soccer Tagged: Nigeria West Africa Sport Soccer He recalled how representing Nigeria was never a burden, even as a teenager navigating multiple national teams simultaneously. 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." Wearing the armband taught me a lot about responsibility, patience, and putting others first. It was never about being in charge, but about helping the team, supporting younger players, and standing up for the badge. Even during difficult times and criticism, my commitment to Nigeria never changed." 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." His retirement follows closely on the heels of William Troost-Ekong's exit from international football, with the former Super Eagles captain also stressing that his decision was taken "on my own terms." Together, their departures underline the end of an era defined by leadership, resilience and service. "Football took me to many places around the world, but Nigeria was always home.