In a significant moment for Nigerian football, Ahmed Musa has officially drawn the curtain on his international career. The captain of the Super Eagles announced his retirement on Wednesday, 17th December 2025, after an illustrious 15-year stint with the senior national team.
A Record-Breaking Journey Comes to an End
Musa, who first broke into the national team setup in 2010, leaves as Nigeria's most-capped senior player of all time. He amassed an impressive 111 appearances for the Super Eagles, a record that stands as a testament to his longevity and consistency. His journey began even earlier, with dedicated service to the Nigeria U20 and U23 teams before his senior debut.
The veteran forward chose social media platform X to share the emotional news with fans across the nation and the diaspora. In a heartfelt post, Musa reflected on his remarkable journey from a teenage hopeful to a national icon.
"I was just a young boy when the journey started. I was young, still learning, and always travelling, but I never complained. Whenever Nigeria called, I showed up," he wrote.
He continued, expressing immense pride in his service: "I wore this badge with pride for 15 years. From a 17-year-old boy answering every call to becoming the most capped Super Eagle with 111 appearances."
A Legacy of Triumph and Leadership
Ahmed Musa's career is decorated with landmark achievements that have cemented his place in Nigerian football history. He was a crucial member of the Super Eagles squad that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in South Africa, a triumph masterminded by the late coach Stephen Keshi. This victory ended a 19-year wait for the continental trophy and remains a cherished memory for fans.
Beyond continental glory, Musa also etched his name into World Cup folklore for Nigeria. He holds the distinction of being Nigeria's highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, a feat highlighted in his farewell message where he described himself as "AFCON champion" and "Nigeria’s highest World Cup goalscorer."
His leadership qualities were recognized when he was handed the captain's armband, a role he described as an honour, referring to himself as "Captain. Servant. Believer."
An Emotional Farewell to the Nation
In closing his announcement, Musa expressed profound gratitude to the country he represented with distinction. His final words resonated with deep patriotism: "I gave everything. Thank you Nigeria… my heart will always beat green."
The retirement marks the end of an era for the Super Eagles. Musa's pace, experience, and leadership on and off the pitch will leave a significant void. His career serves as an inspiration to a generation of young Nigerian footballers, demonstrating that with dedication and passion, a local talent can rise to become a national record-holder and champion.
As the news spreads, tributes are expected to pour in from teammates, coaches, football administrators, and millions of fans who have followed his career from his early days at local academies through his club stabs abroad to his iconic moments in the green and white jersey. The legacy of Ahmed Musa as a Super Eagle is now firmly and proudly sealed in history.
