Football: Super Eagles’ Veteran Ahmed Musa Calls Time on Record-Breaking International Career

by Geoffrey Ejiga | by Geoffrey Ejiga

image Football: Super Eagles’ Veteran Ahmed Musa Calls Time on Record-Breaking International Career
After nearly 15 years with the Super Eagles, Ahmed Musa called it quits on one of the most prolific careers for the Nigerian National team. While Musa's presence on the international stage will be missed, his official retirement will at least clear the way for Eric Chelle to formally name a new Nigerian captain.

A Glimpse at Ahmed Musa’s Time with the Super Eagles

Only three players have played 100+ games for the Super Eagles, and Ahmed Musa tops that list with 111 intentional appearances as the most-capped player. Vincent Enyema and Joseph Yobo are next, with 101 and 100 caps respectively.

"Playing 111 matches for my country is something I hold with deep respect," Musa said in his retirement post on social media. 

"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. I did my best to give everything I had, whether things were going well or not, because playing for Nigeria was always bigger than me."

Musa, 33, has been in action for Nigeria since 2010, first with a call-up by Lars Lagerback for Nigeria's FIFA World Cup preparations before making his debut in September, five months later at just the age of 17.

Within three short years, Ahmed Musa helped Nigeria win the 2013 AFCON title, the nation's very last. The Super Eagles hope to grab a fourth AFCON title in 2025 without their former captain Musa. See our expert's AFCON 2025 predictions and betting tips! 

Musa’s legacy was further decorated in his two World Cup appearances, in 2014 and 2018. There, Musa scored four goals to become Nigeria's record scorer in the World Cup, and also became the first to score multiple goals in one tournament.

"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 at that stage is something I am truly grateful for," he said.

Moving Ahead: Nigeria's Quest for a New Captain

Ahmed’s retirement comes just two weeks after William Troost-Ekong announced his international retirement. With the official captain and vice captain both leaving the international scene, Nigeria and coach Eric Chelle have a leadership role to fill.

Wilfred Ndidi, who is among the oldest and most experienced Nigerian players, was named captain ahead of the 2025 AFCON. Deputies are Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, and Victor Osimhen, in that order.

The 29-year-old has already captained Nigeria in their opening 2-1 against Tanzania in Group C. His leadership qualities at 29 years of age also saw him rise to vice captain for Besikitas just months after joining in August 2025.