Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, has announced his retirement from international football, www.aclsports.com reports.
The Kano Pillars forward made the announcement via a post on social media on Wednesday afternoon.
This brings an end to nearly a 15-year career with the Super Eagles that saw him become the nation’s most capped player and record goalscorer at the World Cup.
“After a lot of thought, I have decided to retire from international football, bringing to an end almost 15 years with the Super Eagles,” he said.
“From the very first call-up, wearing the green and white meant everything to me.”
Speaking about the early days in his international career, Musa said, “I was just a young boy when the journey started. I remember being invited at the same time to the U-20, U-23 and the Super Eagles. I was young, still learning, and always travelling, but I never complained. Whenever Nigeria called, I showed up. It was never something I had to think twice about.”
Musa also spoke about reaching 111 caps for Nigeria. He managed to score 18 times, and provided 16 assists while wearing the green and white shirt.
“Playing 111 matches for my country is something I hold with deep respect. To become the most capped player in the history of Nigerian football is a great honour. Every time I wore the jersey, I understood the responsibility that came with it.”
Musa won the 2013 AFCON tournament under the late Stephen Keshi, became the first Nigerian to score more than once in a FIFA World Cup match, and later became the first Nigerian to score in two World Cups, netting twice against Iceland in 2018.
“Winning the 2013 AFCON will always stand out. That team showed what it meant to play for Nigeria. Scoring at the World Cup, against Argentina and Iceland, are memories I will always carry with me. To score four goals at the World Cup and be Nigeria’s highest goalscorer on that stage is something I am truly grateful for,” Musa added.
The 33-year-old ended his retirement message by thanking his teammates, coaches, backroom staff and administrators, while also appreciating the fans for their unwavering support.
Meanwhile, Musa still plays for Kano Pillars in the Nigeria Premier Football League, where he also doubles as the General Manager of the club.
