Super Eagles forward Ahmed Musa has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to an illustrious career that spanned nearly 15 years with the Nigerian national team.

Musa confirmed the decision in an emotional statement, reflecting on a journey that saw him rise from a young prospect to Nigeria’s most capped player and a respected leader in the squad.

He recalled that representing Nigeria had always been a source of pride and purpose from his very first call-up.

He revealed that he was once invited simultaneously to the U-20, U-23 and senior national teams, a demanding period that required constant travel and learning, but one he embraced without hesitation.

“From the very first call-up, wearing the green and white meant everything to me,” he wrote in a statement posted on social media. 

“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.”

The 33-year-old leaves international football with 111 caps, making him the most capped player in the history of Nigerian football. He described the milestone as a great honour and said he always understood the responsibility that came with wearing the national jersey.

“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.

"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,” he added.

The former Leicester City forward revealed that winning the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring unforgettable goals at the FIFA World Cup against Argentina and Iceland, and becoming Nigeria’s highest goalscorer at the tournament with four goals were the defining moments of his career with the national team.

“There are moments I will never forget. Winning the 2013 AFCON will always stand out. That team showed what it meant to play for Nigeria,” he said.

“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 goalscorer on that stage is something I am truly grateful for.”

He also highlighted his time as Super Eagles captain, noting that wearing the armband taught him lessons in responsibility, patience and selflessness, especially in supporting younger players and standing up for the team during challenging periods.

“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.”

Musa expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaches, backroom staff, administrators and fans for their unwavering support throughout his international career.

“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 stadiums and in front of their TVs, your support meant more to me than you know,” he concluded.

Ahmed Musa’s announcement brings an end to months of uncertainty regarding his future with the Super Eagles.

His retirement marks the second high-profile departure from the national team in December, following William Troost-Ekong’s decision to retire ahead of the AFCON tournament.

Despite being named in the provisional squad, Ekong’s unexpected retirement sent shockwaves through the Nigerian football community.

The Super Eagles will face Uganda, Tanzania, and Tunisia in the group stage of the biennial tournament, with the aim of securing a fourth continental title.

Adeyemi Adewale