Ahmed Musa Hangs Up Super Eagles Boots

Nigeria’s most decorated modern football icon, Ahmed Musa, has officially called time on his illustrious international career, bringing an end to a remarkable 15-year journey with the Super Eagles. The 33-year-old veteran, who currently serves as the General Manager of Nigeria Premier Football League side Kano Pillars, announced his departure from the national team on Wednesday through a poignant post on his official X account. His retirement marks the end of an era for a player who transitioned from a teenage prodigy into the most capped player in the history of Nigerian football.

In his emotional farewell, Musa reflected on the immense pride he felt every time he stepped onto the pitch representing the three-time African champions. “I wore this badge with pride for 15 years,” he wrote, tracing his path from a 17-year-old boy eager for his first call-up to the legendary figure he became. With 111 appearances for the Super Eagles, he leaves a record that few in the future may ever challenge. During his tenure, Musa evolved from a blistering winger into a respected captain and a symbol of national unity, famously stating that his heart will “always beat green.”

Musa’s international story began on September 5, 2010, when he made his debut in a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar. It was the start of a golden decade for the player, who quickly became a focal point of the team’s attack. His career reached its zenith in 2013 when he played a pivotal role in the Stephen Keshi-led squad that secured the AFCON title in South Africa. Beyond continental success, Musa etched his name into the global history books as Nigeria’s most prolific scorer at the FIFA World Cup. To date, he remains the only Nigerian to score more than once in a single World Cup match, with iconic braces against Argentina in 2014 and Iceland in 2018.

His departure from the international scene follows a period where his role had shifted from a regular starter to a veteran leader and mentor for the younger generation of Nigerian talent. While he continues his administrative and playing duties at the club level with Kano Pillars, his legacy as a “Servant and Believer” of the green and white shirt is firmly secured. As fans and former teammates flood social media with tributes, the consensus is clear: Nigeria has lost its most durable servant, but the records he set will likely stand as a testament to his dedication for decades to come.