Nigeria’s record appearance maker, Ahmed Musa, has ended his international football career with the Super Eagles after almost 15 years of outstanding service.
The 33-year-old attacker revealed his decision in a touching social media message, which came shortly after the news of his exclusion from Nigeria’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 to be held in Morocco. His retirement announcement also comes on the heels of the international retirement of the vice-captain, William Troost-Ekong.
Only 17 years of age, Musa was first called up to the Nigerian senior team in September 2010 and made his debut, replacing John Obi Mikel in the AFCON qualifier against Madagascar. He found the net for the first time in 2011 versus Kenya and soon after established himself as one of the most influential players of his era.
Musa’s exploits at the club level have seen him play for Leicester City and CSKA Moscow Attacker and earned a record 111 caps for the Super Eagles, surpassing the legendary Vincent Enyeama and Joseph Yobo. He also notched 16 goals for the country and was instrumental in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations victory.
Musa is also the all-time top goalscorer at the FIFA World Cup for the Super Eagles, scoring four goals. With two of those goals coming against Argentina in 2014.
“As I take my leave, I am filled with gratitude and tranquility,” Musa declared.
