Ahmed Musa calls time on record-breaking international career

Ahmed Musa, the legendary forward and most-capped player in the history of the Nigerian senior men’s national team, has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing a decorated 15-year tenure to a close.

The 33-year-old, who currently balances a unique dual role as both a player and General Manager for Kano Pillars in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), shared the news via a poignant social media statement on Wednesday.

A Legacy of Service and Milestones By Ahmed Musa

In a heartfelt farewell to the fans, the former Super Eagles captain reflected on a journey that began as a teenager and culminated in him becoming the statistical benchmark for Nigerian football.

“I wore this badge with pride for 15 years,” Musa wrote. “From a 17-year-old boy answering every call to becoming the most capped Super Eagle with 111 appearances. AFCON champion. Nigeria’s highest World Cup goalscorer. Captain. Servant. Believer. I gave everything. Thank you, Nigeria… my heart will always beat green.”

 

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A post shared by Ahmed Musa MON OON 🎖️🎖️ (@ahmedmusa718)

From Debutant to Continental Champion

Musa’s international odyssey began on September 5, 2010, when he debuted as a substitute in a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Madagascar. His lightning pace and clinical finishing quickly made him a mainstay in the squad.

The pinnacle of his continental career came in 2013, where he played a pivotal role under the late Stephen Keshi to help the Super Eagles secure the AFCON title in South Africa. Beyond his leadership in the dressing room, Musa’s name is etched in the global history books; he remains the only Nigerian to score a brace in a FIFA World Cup match, a feat he achieved twice (against Argentina in 2014 and Iceland in 2018).

The Most Capped Eagle

With 111 appearances, Musa surpasses legends like Vincent Enyeama and Joseph Yobo to stand alone as the nation’s most frequent representative on the pitch. While he steps away from the international stage, his influence remains within the domestic game as he continues to lead Kano Pillars both on the field and in the front office.

As the curtain falls on one of the most resilient careers in African football, Musa leaves behind a legacy of discipline, loyalty, and unmatched World Cup heroics.