Ahmed Musa announced his retirement from his international career with the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Wednesday.
In a statement posted on his social media pages, the former Leicester City forward said he gave everything to the country throughout his career. The 33-year-old thanked Nigerians and stated that his heart would always beat green.
Musa represented the Super Eagles for 15 years, during which he earned 111 caps, a feat he said he held with deep respect. He added that becoming the most capped player in the history of Nigerian football remained a great honour.
In his farewell message, Musa recalled his early days in international football, noting that he was once invited simultaneously to the U-20, U-23 and senior national teams.
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He said he never complained about the demands of constant travel, stressing that whenever Nigeria called, he always answered.
He described wearing the national colours as a responsibility bigger than himself and said he always gave his best, regardless of circumstances. Musa highlighted Nigeria’s triumph at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations as a standout moment of his career, alongside his goals at the FIFA World Cup against Argentina and Iceland.
The former captain said scoring four goals at the World Cup and emerging as Nigeria’s highest goalscorer on the global stage filled him with gratitude.
He also reflected on his time as Super Eagles captain, noting that wearing the armband taught him responsibility, patience and selflessness.
Musa expressed appreciation to his teammates, coaches, backroom staff and administrators for their support and belief in him.
He also thanked fans at home and abroad for their unwavering encouragement, saying he stepped away from international football with peace and gratitude.
He assured Nigerians that the Super Eagles would continue to progress and emphasised that his bond with the national team would never be broken.
Musa began his professional career with Kano Pillars before moving to Europe, where he played for CSKA Moscow, VV Venlo, and Turkish sides Fatih Karagümrük and Sivasspor. He also featured for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, where he won a league title.
The AFCON winner returned to Nigeria in September 2024 as an active player and was later appointed general manager of Kano Pillars.
Musa announced his retirement shortly after defender William Troost-Ekong also bowed out of the Super Eagles.
