Ahmed Musa has announced his retirement from international football, bringing to an end a near 15-year career with the Super Eagles during which he became Nigeria’s most capped player. The decision, disclosed on Wednesday, closes a significant chapter in Nigerian football history and marks the departure of one of the country’s most recognisable modern internationals.
The announcement was made in a statement released on Musa’s verified social media accounts, where the former Super Eagles captain reflected on his long association with the national team and the pride he derived from representing Nigeria. Musa said the decision followed careful consideration, describing his time with the national side as one defined by honour and responsibility.
Recalling the early stages of his international career, Musa said his journey began when he was still very young, noting that he received simultaneous invitations to the U-20, U-23 and senior national teams. He explained that the period involved constant travel and learning, but added that he never hesitated to respond whenever Nigeria called, stressing that representing the country was never a decision he had to think twice about.
Musa highlighted his record 111 appearances for the Super Eagles as a personal milestone he holds with deep respect. He said becoming the most capped player in the history of Nigerian football was a significant honour and noted that every appearance came with a sense of duty and awareness of the expectations attached to wearing the national colours.
Among the defining moments of his international career was Nigeria’s triumph at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. Musa was a member of the squad that lifted the trophy, a success he described as a reflection of collective commitment and national pride, and one that remains a standout achievement in his time with the Super Eagles.
Musa also made history at the FIFA World Cup, becoming the first Nigerian player to score more than one goal in a single World Cup match after netting twice against Argentina at the 2014 tournament in Brazil. The feat established him as one of Nigeria’s most impactful performers on football’s biggest stage.
He later extended that record by becoming the first Nigerian to score in two different World Cups, scoring twice against Iceland at the 2018 tournament in Russia. Musa noted that his four World Cup goals, which make him Nigeria’s highest goalscorer at the competition, are among the memories he will always cherish.
In his statement, Musa expressed gratitude to former teammates, coaches, members of the backroom staff and football administrators who supported him throughout his international career. He also thanked Nigerian fans at home and abroad for their consistent support, saying their encouragement played a major role in sustaining him through the highs and lows of international football.
The 33-year-old said he was stepping away from international football with a sense of peace and fulfilment, confident that he had given his best to the national team. He added that he believed the Super Eagles would continue to progress, stressing that his bond with the team and the country would remain unbroken.
At club level, Musa is currently with Kano Pillars, having returned to the Nigeria Professional Football League side in October 2024 for a third stint. In addition to his playing role, he has taken on responsibilities as the club’s general manager ahead of the 2025–26 season, marking a new phase in his post-international football career.