Ahmed Musa, former Super Eagles captain and Nigeria’s most capped international, has announced his retirement from international football.
The 33-year-old made the disclosure in a social media post on Wednesday.
“After a lot of thought, I have decided to retire from international football, bringing to an end almost 15 years with the Super Eagles,” he wrote.
“From the very first call-up, wearing the green and white meant everything to me.”
He recalled his early days, saying, “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.”
Musa reflected on his record, stating, “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.”
He emphasised his dedication, saying he “gave everything” to the Super Eagles, while noting that “football gave me a career and Nigeria gave me meaning.”
Musa made his debut for the national team at 17 and went on to become Nigeria’s most capped footballer.
His international career included highlights such as being part of the squad that lifted the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
He also achieved individual accolades, including scoring a brace against Argentina at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, becoming the first Nigerian to net more than one goal at a World Cup.
Musa repeated the feat at the 2018 World Cup in Russia with a brace against Iceland, becoming Nigeria’s first player to score in two World Cups and the country’s top all-time scorer in the tournament.
He served as the team captain for several years until the role was passed to William Troost-Ekong, who has since retired.
After a successful club career spanning the Netherlands, Russia, England and Saudi Arabia, Musa returned to Kano Pillars, his boyhood club, in 2024 for a third stint.
He played for one season before assuming the position of general manager at the start of the 2025/26 season.