Super Eagles forward Mr. Ahmed Musa has announced his retirement from international football, bringing to an end a distinguished career that included winning the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The former Leicester City winger made the announcement on Wednesday, describing his time with the national team as a source of immense pride.

“Dear Nigerians, dear Super Eagles family, after a lot of thought, I have decided to retire from international football, bringing to an end almost 15 years with the Super Eagles,” Mr. Musa wrote.

“From the very first call-up, wearing the green and white meant everything to me.”

The player, fondly known as “The Governor,” thanked fans, coaches, teammates, and officials for their support throughout his international career.

“Football gave me a career, but Nigeria gave me meaning,” he said.

“To my teammates over the years, the coaches, backroom staff, and administrators, thank you for believing in me.

“To the fans at home and abroad, in stadiums and in front of their TVs, your support meant more to me than you know. As I step away from international football, I do so with peace and gratitude.”

Mr. Musa added: “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.”

The Kano Pillars manager remains Nigeria’s highest goalscorer at the FIFA World Cup, with four goals, including a brace against Argentina at Brazil 2014. He repeated the feat four years later, scoring twice against Iceland at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Now 33, Mr. Musa began his professional career with Kano Pillars before moving to Europe, where he featured for clubs including CSKA Moscow in Russia, VVV-Venlo in the Netherlands, and Turkish sides Fatih Karagümrük and Sivasspor.

He also played for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, helping the club secure a league title.

The AFCON winner returned to Kano Pillars in September 2024 as a player and was later appointed General Manager of the club.

His retirement follows that of defender Mr. William Troost-Ekong, who recently stepped down from international duty.

Mr. Musa was last invited to the Super Eagles for the 2023 AFCON, where he did not feature as Nigeria finished runners-up to hosts and eventual champions, Côte d’Ivoire.