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By John Ogunsemore
Former Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa has retired from international football.
Musa, 33, announced his retirement in a statement shared on Wednesday.
“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,” the winger said in the statement shared on his X page.
Going back memory lane, Musa said, “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.”
He said becoming Nigeria’s most-capped player filled him with great honour.
“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,” Musa said.
The former Leicester City forward said some moments with the Super Eagles would always be etched in his memory forever.
“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,” Musa said.
He expressed gratitude to fans, coaches, and teammates for their support during his 15-year journey with the Super Eagles.
Musa said, “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.”
Musa kicked off his professional career with Kano Pillars before making the switch to Europe, where he played for CSKA Moscow in Russia, VV Venlo of the Netherlands, and Turkish teams Karagümrük and Sivasspor.
He also played for Leicester City in England, as well as Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, helping the latter clinch the league title.
He returned to Kano Players as a player in September 2024 and was later appointed as the club’s general manager.
Musa was last called up to the Super Eagles in 2023.
