Chigozirim Okoli
Nigeria’s most-capped footballer, Ahmed Musa, has formally announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on a distinguished career that spanned more than a decade in the national colours.
Musa confirmed the decision in a statement shared via his official channels on Wednesday, expressing gratitude to fans, teammates, coaches, and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for the opportunity to represent the country. He described wearing the Super Eagles jersey as “an honour I never took lightly,” reflecting on years of national service marked by triumphs, setbacks, and invaluable lessons.
The winger earned 111 appearances for Nigeria, the highest by any player in the national team’s history. A key member of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad, Musa also etched his name into the global spotlight at the FIFA World Cup, where he remains Nigeria’s highest goalscorer in the competition’s history.
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His retirement follows growing speculation about his international future after being left out of recent Super Eagles squad selections. Football analysts view the announcement as a symbolic generational shift within the national team, as younger players increasingly assume prominent roles ahead of upcoming international tournaments.
Beyond his on-field exploits, Musa has been widely recognised for his leadership qualities. Earlier in 2025, he took up a management role with Kano Pillars FC, signalling a transition towards contributing to Nigerian football from an administrative and developmental standpoint.
The Nigeria Football Federation is expected to issue a formal statement in honour of Musa’s contributions, while reactions from football stakeholders within and outside Nigeria have described his exit from the national team as the close of a significant chapter in the country’s football history.
Ahmed Musa departs the international stage with a legacy defined by consistency, resilience, and unwavering national pride, qualities that endeared him to fans and firmly secured his place among Nigeria’s most decorated football ambassadors.
