Nigeria’s most capped player, Ahmed Musa, has announced his retirement from international football.
The 33-year-old’s decision comes just days after Super Eagles stand-in captain William Troost-Ekong also called time on his international career with the three-time African champions.
Musa’s decision was influenced by his omission from Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which is set to begin in Morocco on December 21st.
“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,” Musa wrote in a long social media post.
“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 U20, U23 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.”
Musa rose to prominence through his impressive performances with Nigerian top-flight side Kano Pillars, having already represented the country at youth level.
He made his senior debut on September 5th, 2010, at just 17, coming on as a substitute for John Obi Mikel in a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar, which Nigeria won 2–0.
Musa went on to score the first of his 16 international goals in March 2011 during a friendly against Kenya.
“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,” he continued.
“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 served Nigeria for 15 years and surpassed Vincent Enyeama and Joseph Yobo to become the country’s most capped international footballer, earning 111 caps.
The former Leicester City and CSKA Moscow forward played a key role in Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations triumph and also holds the notable record as Nigeria’s highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history.
“There are moments I will never forget. Winning the 2013 AFCON will always stand out. The team showed what it meant to play for Nigeria,” he added.
“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 goal scorer 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 stadium 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.”
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