By Deborah Nnamdi
Ahmed Musa has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a distinguished career with the Super Eagles of Nigeria that spanned nearly 15 years and included Nigeria’s triumph at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
The former Leicester City forward confirmed the decision on Wednesday, describing his time with the national team as a source of great pride. In a message to Nigerians and the Super Eagles family, Musa said wearing the green and white meant everything to him from his first call-up, adding that he was stepping away with peace and gratitude.
Musa thanked fans, teammates, coaches, and administrators for their support throughout his international journey, noting that while football gave him a career, Nigeria gave him meaning. He expressed confidence in the future of the Super Eagles, declaring, “Once an Eagle, always an Eagle.”
Fondly known as the “Governor,” the 33-year-old holds the record as Nigeria’s highest scorer at the FIFA World Cup, with four goals. His tally includes a memorable brace against Argentina at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and two goals against Iceland at the 2018 tournament in Russia.
Musa began his professional career with Kano Pillars before moving to Europe, where he featured for clubs including CSKA Moscow, VVV-Venlo, and Turkish sides Fatih Karagümrük and Sivasspor. He also enjoyed success in the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr, winning the league title.
After returning to Kano Pillars in September 2024 as a player, Musa was later appointed the club’s general manager. His international retirement comes weeks after defender William Troost-Ekong also bowed out of the national team.
Musa’s final call-up to the Super Eagles came at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he did not feature on the pitch as Nigeria finished runners-up to Cote d’Ivoire.
