Ahmed Musa retires from football, shifts focus to administration

Ahmed Musa, Nigeria’s most capped footballer, has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing to a close a Super Eagles career that spanned almost 15 years.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the former national team captain reflected on his long journey with the Eagles and the pride he felt representing the country. He said deciding to step away from international duty was not taken lightly, stressing that wearing the green and white jersey remained one of the greatest honours of his career.

Musa recalled that his national team journey began at a very young age, when he was invited simultaneously to the U-20, U-23 and senior teams. He noted that despite the demands of constant travel and learning at an early stage, he never hesitated to answer Nigeria’s call whenever selected.

The forward earned 111 caps for the Super Eagles, a record he described as a rare privilege. He said becoming Nigeria’s most capped player came with a deep sense of responsibility and pride each time he stepped onto the pitch.

Musa was a key member of the squad that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and etched his name into history at the FIFA World Cup. He scored twice against Argentina at Brazil 2014, becoming the first Nigerian to net more than once in a single World Cup match, and repeated the feat in 2018 against Iceland. With four World Cup goals, he remains Nigeria’s highest scorer at the tournament.

Reflecting on those moments, Musa said the AFCON triumph and his World Cup goals were memories he would always cherish, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve the nation on football’s biggest stages.

He also thanked teammates, coaches, administrators and Nigerian fans for their unwavering support throughout his international career. According to him, he is stepping away with a sense of fulfilment, confident that he gave his best and that the Super Eagles will continue to progress. He described his bond with the national team as unbreakable, adding that “once an Eagle, always an Eagle.”

At club level, Musa returned to Kano Pillars in October 2024 for a third spell and has since begun a transition into football administration. He currently serves as the club’s general manager ahead of the 2025/26 Nigeria Professional Football League season, marking a new chapter beyond his playing days.