Ahmed Musa has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to an illustrious career with the Super Eagles of Nigeria that spanned nearly 15 years and included the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.
The former Leicester City forward confirmed his decision on Wednesday, describing his time with the national team as a source of immense pride.
“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 statement announcing his decision.
“From the very first call-up, wearing the green and white meant everything to me.”
Fondly known as “The Governor,” Musa expressed gratitude to fans, coaches, teammates, and administrators for their support throughout his career.
“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,” he said.
“To the fans at home and abroad, in stadiums 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.”
Musa, who currently manages Kano Pillars, remains Nigeria’s highest goal scorer at the FIFA World Cup, with four goals. His tally includes a brace against Argentina at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, a feat he repeated four years later when the Super Eagles defeated Iceland 2–0 at the 2018 tournament in Russia.
The 33-year-old began his professional career with Kano Pillars before moving to Europe, where he played for clubs including CSKA Moscow in Russia, VVV-Venlo in the Netherlands, and Turkish sides Fatih Karagümrük and Sivasspor.
He also featured for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, helping the club secure the league title.
An AFCON winner, Musa returned to Kano Pillars in September 2024 as a player and was later appointed the club’s general manager.
His retirement follows that of Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong, who also recently stepped away from international football.
Musa’s final call-up to the national team came at the 2023 AFCON, where he did not feature in any matches as Nigeria finished runners-up to hosts and eventual champions, Côte d’Ivoire.
