Nigeria’s most capped footballer, Ahmed Musa, has formally announced his retirement from international football, drawing the curtain on an illustrious Super Eagles career that lasted close to 15 years.
In an emotional message to Nigerians and football supporters, the former national team captain looked back on a journey that started when he was still a teenager balancing invitations to the U-20, U-23 and senior national teams at the same time.
Musa explained that pulling on the green and white jersey was never a difficult choice, describing it as both an honour and a serious responsibility.
Musa finished his international career with 111 appearances for Nigeria, a landmark achievement that places him at the top of the country’s all-time appearances list. He referred to the feat as a “great honour,” adding that every match came with the obligation to give his all, regardless of the challenges surrounding the team at any point.
Reflecting on key moments, Musa highlighted Nigeria’s victory at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations as one of the proudest achievements of his career. He also recalled his goals at the FIFA World Cup, especially those scored against Argentina and Iceland, which helped him amass four World Cup goals and become Nigeria’s most prolific scorer at football’s biggest tournament.
Another defining phase of his career was his time as Super Eagles captain. Musa said the role shaped his understanding of leadership, patience and sacrifice, emphasising that captaining the team was about service rather than authority. He noted that even during periods of criticism or difficulty, his loyalty to the national team never wavered.
Looking back, Musa said football gave him a profession, but Nigeria gave his career purpose. He expressed appreciation to former teammates, coaches, technical crew and administrators for their confidence in him, as well as fans within and outside the country whose encouragement sustained him throughout his career.
As he steps away from international duty, Musa said he does so fulfilled and at peace, confident that the Super Eagles will continue to grow. He closed by reaffirming his enduring bond with the national team, declaring: “Once an Eagle, always an Eagle.”
He wrote, “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”
What you should know
Ahmed Musa is Nigeria’s most capped footballer with 111 international appearances and one of the most recognisable figures in Super Eagles history.
He played in multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and FIFA World Cups, winning AFCON in 2013 and scoring a record four World Cup goals for Nigeria. Beyond his on-field contributions, Musa served as Super Eagles captain, becoming a symbol of leadership and resilience during challenging periods for the national team.
His retirement marks the end of an era defined by longevity, consistency and deep commitment to Nigerian football.
