- Safiu Kehinde
Former Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a 15-year career with the Nigerian national team.
Musa made the announcement in a statement issued on his social media handle on Wednesday.
The most capped Super Eagles player with 111 appearances expressed his gratitude for the opportunity given to him by the national team in the course of his illustrious career.
Musa, who currently manages the administrative affairs of his boyhood club, Kano Pillar where he was early this year unveiled as the new General Manager, reflected on his time with the Super Eagles, starting from his first call-up into the Under-20s.
“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.
“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.” He said.
On his record as the all-time most capped player, Musa described the feat as a great honour.
“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.” He said
He also reflected on winning the 2013 African Cup of Nations (AFCON with the team as well as his record-setting feat at the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cup tournaments where he became the first Nigerian to score more than once in a FIFA World Cup match against Argentina as well as the first Nigerian to score in two World Cups
“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 said.
He expressed his gratitude to his teammates, coaches, backroom staff and administrators for believing in him throughout his career, while also thanking Nigerian fans at home and abroad for their unwavering support.
“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. Thank you, Nigeria. Thank you for everything,” he added.