Ahmed Musa retires after 111 caps, 16 goals for Super Eagles

Ahmed Musa has announced his retirement from international football, ending a 15-year career with the Super Eagles during which he became Nigeria’s most capped player and one of the country’s most accomplished footballers of his generation. Musa made the announcement yesterday in a statement shared on his social media platforms on Wednesday. “After a lot […]

Ahmed Musa has announced his retirement from international football, ending a 15-year career with the Super Eagles during which he became Nigeria’s most capped player and one of the country’s most accomplished footballers of his generation.
Musa made the announcement yesterday in a statement shared on his social media platforms on Wednesday.
“After a lot of thought, I have decided to retire from international football, bringing to an end almost 15 years with the Super Eagles. From the very first call-up, wearing the green and white meant everything to me,” he said.

Musa’s Super Eagles debut in 2010
Musa who is now 33-year-old made his senior national team debut on September 5, 2010 in the qualification match for the 2012 AFCON against Madagascar at the age of 17.
He recalls his early years in the national team setup, noting that his rise coincided with invitations to multiple national teams at the same time.
“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,” he said.
Musa retires as Nigeria’s most capped international, having made 111 appearances for the Super Eagles. He described the milestone as a source of pride and responsibility.
“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.

Musa recalls most memorable moments
During his international career, Musa won the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria in 2013 and set several records at the FIFA World Cup.
He became the first Nigerian to score more than once in a single World Cup match, netting twice against Argentina in 2014, and later became the first Nigerian to score in two World Cups after his brace against Iceland in 2018.
“Winning the 2013 AFCON will always stand out. 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 appreciation to his teammates, coaches, support staff and football administrators, as well as Nigerian fans at home and abroad, for their support throughout his international career
“As I step away from international football, I do so with peace and gratitude. I know I gave my best, and I believe the Super Eagles will continue to move forward,” he said.
At club level, Musa returned to Kano Pillars in October 2024 for a third spell with the Nigeria Professional Football League side.
He currently serves as player and General Manager of the biggest club up north.

Life outside football
Although a hugely successful man on the field of play, Musa has faced marital problems.
Musa first married Jamila in April 2013. But after they had two kids, the couple were divorced in 2017 following “irreconcilable differences.”
Shortly after his divorce, Musa married a Christian lady, Juliet Ejue, from Cross River State, on May 23, 2017, in Abuja. Reports indicate that this marriage also eventually ended.
He then married Mariam in July 2021 in a private ceremony, becoming his third wife. The former Super Eagles captain also married Asmau Moriki in May 2025 in a private ceremony held in Kano.
According to reports, Musa divorced Jamila, and separated from Juliet, but he’s living with Mariam and Asamu.
In business, Musa has continued to blossom with investments in estate development and the energy sector. In October 2017, he purchased a second petrol station in Nigeria, expanding his investments in the energy sector.
On February 1, 2021, Musa commissioned the Ahmed Musa Neighborhood Center, which is located in Kamazo, a suburb of Kaduna located in Chikun Local Government Area.
The facility includes a gym, football pitch, and event space, and serves as a hub for youth development and community engagement

Yarma, kwande pay tributes to Musa
Two leading football administrators in Nigeria, Malam Farouk Yarma and a former member of the NFF Executive Committee, Prince Suleiman Yahaya kwande, have eulogised Ahmed Musa on his illustrious international career.
Yarma, the pioneer Chairman of Gombe State Sports Commission said on and off the pitch, Musa has been an amazing philanthropist and supporter of Nigerian football development.
“I have followed Nigerian football closely and witnessed Musa’s sacrifices up close. He donated generously many times to the Golden Eaglets, Flying Eagles, and Home-based Super Eagles, showing pure love for country, sacrifice and encouragement.
“Off the field, his magnanimity and selflessness have touched the lives of retired footballers and officials, youth football academies in Kano and beyond.
“On behalf of our football family, thank you for your selfless services and pride in Nigeria. You are indeed a worthy ambassador of Nigerian football,” said Yarma.
On his part, Kwande wrote: “On behalf of the Plateau State Football family and the entire Nigerian Football community, I salute you, Ahmed Musa.
“Your service, sacrifice, leadership, and legacy will always be remembered. Your name is forever written in the history of Nigerian football.
“Nigeria is proud of you. Plateau State is proud of you.
“God willing, the Plateau State Football Association, on behalf of the people of Plateau State, will organise a grand reception to welcome you home.”