AFCON 2025
Super Eagles former captain, Ahmed Musa, has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his 15-year stint with the national team.
Ahmed Musa announced the development in an open letter he posted to his various social media pages on Wednesday afternoon.
He relived the memories of playing for the national team for more than a decade, playing under different coaches and a handful of teammates over the period as he rose to captain the team.
The former youth international made his debut for the Super Eagles on September 5, 2010, in a qualification match against Madagascar for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, which Nigeria failed to qualify for.
Musa went on to represent Nigeria at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria emerged as champions, and three other tournaments.
Ahmed Musa represented the Super Eagles at the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cup, and he is the Nigerian with the most goals – 4 in the history of the tournament.
Also, Ahmed Musa is the most capped Nigerian player with 111 appearances.
Ahmed Musa currently plays for his boyhood club, Kano Pillars, in the Nigeria Premier Football League after playing in Europe for close to two decades.
He retires not just as a Super Eagles legend but also as one of the most revered Nigerians over the last decade.
Ahmed Musa’s retirement post
Dear Nigerians,
Dear Super Eagles family,
After a lot of thought, I have decided to retire from international football, bringing to an end almost 15 years with the Super Eagles.
From the very first call-up, wearing the green and white meant everything to me.
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.
Football took me to many places around the world, but Nigeria was always home.
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.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.
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.
Being captain of the Super Eagles was another important part of my journey.
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.
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.
As I step away from international football, I do so with peace and gratitude.
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.
Once an Eagle, always an Eagle.
Thank you, Nigeria.
Thank you for everything.
AHMED MUSA MON OON
