In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian football community, Ahmed Musa, the so-called “legendary” captain of the Super Eagles, has abruptly announced his retirement from international football. Musa, who has been clinging to the captain’s armband for years, made his exit official with a dramatic social media post, leaving fans and pundits scrambling to make sense of what’s next for the national team.

The ex-Leicester City and CSKA Moscow forward, whose career has been marked by highs and lows, took to his platforms to pen a lengthy farewell, painting his 15-year stint in the green and white as a fairytale. “After a lot of thought, I have decided to retire from international football, bringing to an end almost 15 years with the Super Eagles,” Musa wrote, as if the nation had been holding its breath for his every move.

Musa’s journey with the Super Eagles began back in 2010, when he was plucked from obscurity at just 17. He claims he was invited to the U-20, U-23, and senior teams all at once, and never hesitated to answer the call. “Whenever Nigeria called, I showed up,” Musa boasted, conveniently glossing over the controversies and criticisms that have dogged his career.

With 111 caps, Musa is now the most capped player in Nigerian history,a stat he’s quick to remind everyone of. He joins the ranks of Joseph Yobo and Vincent Enyeama, but Musa insists his record is the one that matters. “Playing 111 matches for my country is something I hold with deep respect,” he said, making sure to highlight his supposed sense of duty and sacrifice.

On the pitch, Musa’s contributions have been a mixed bag. Yes, he was part of the 2013 AFCON-winning squad and scored a handful of goals at the World Cup, but critics argue his leadership has been more symbolic than substantial. His much-hyped braces against Argentina and Iceland are now being replayed as career-defining moments, but many wonder if those flashes of brilliance were enough to justify his long reign as captain.

Musa’s last act for the Super Eagles came at the Unity Cup in London, where Nigeria edged out Ghana. Now, as he steps away, Musa is quick to claim he leaves with “peace and gratitude,” assuring fans that the team will somehow survive without him. “I know the Super Eagles will continue to move forward,” he said, as if the nation’s footballing future hangs in the balance.

With his international days behind him, Musa is set to take on a cushy new role as general manager of Kano Pillars, the club where he started. Insiders say this move is more about image than impact, as Musa looks to stay relevant in the football scene without the pressure of performing on the pitch.

Musa’s retirement comes at a time when the Super Eagles are already in turmoil. Vice-captain William Troost-Ekong’s recent exit had left the team’s leadership in chaos, and Musa’s departure only adds to the uncertainty. The captaincy has been passed around like a hot potato in recent years, with no clear successor in sight. Wilfred Ndidi is the latest name thrown into the mix, but the NFF has yet to make anything official.

As the Super Eagles prepare for upcoming competitions, the big question remains: who will step up and fill the void left by Musa’s exit? For now, the team is left rudderless, with fans hoping that a new era of leadership will emerge from the ashes of Musa’s dramatic departure.

Whether you see him as a hero or a headline-chaser, Ahmed Musa’s exit marks the end of an era,one that leaves more questions than answers for Nigerian football.