AfriPulse
Former Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa has announced his retirement from international football, ending a 15-year sojourn in the national team.
The 33-year-old made his Super Eagles debut as a 17-year-old in a Nations Cup qualifying match Against Madagascar in 2010.
Musa took to social media on Wednesday to make the announcement.
He wrote: “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.”
Musa described his 111 caps for Nigeria as an honour.
He said: “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.”
The former Leicester City winger was part of the Super Eagles squad that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations under the tutelage of Stephen Keshi.
Musa highlighted that winning the Nations Cup trophy was a standout moment for him, alongside his World Cup goals for Nigeria.
He said: “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.
“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.”
Musa became the first Nigerian to score more than once in a FIFA World Cup match after scoring a brace against Argentina in the 2024 World Cup.
He is also the first Nigerian to score in two FIFA World Cup competitions, after scoring another brace against Iceland in the group stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
He is Nigeria’s most capped player with 111 caps, with his last appearance coming in November 2021.
Musa is currently serving as the General Manager of Nigeria Premier Football League side, Kano Pillars.
Source: TheWhistler | Read the Full Story…
