Nigeria's national team captain, Ahmed Musa, has emphatically denied speculation surrounding his international retirement.
The rumors gained traction after Musa failed to make an appearance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament where the Super Eagles finished runners-up.
Musa's failure to make an appearance at the AFCON, coupled with his lack of club action since February, fueled speculation about his international future.
The former CSKA Moscow winger has not featured for the national team since a cameo in a friendly against Guinea in January. He also was not included in Nigeria's squads for the international friendlies in March or the World Cup qualifiers held in June.
‘A little break' from Super Eagles – Ahmed Musa
Despite the recent developments, Musa maintained his commitment to the national team.
Speaking to journalists in Kaduna after a friendly match he organized, Musa dismissed the retirement rumors as baseless.
“I only took a little break from the national team. But I didn't exit the team,” Musa clarified, as reported by The Leadership.
A storied football career
Musa boasts an impressive international career with Nigeria. He holds the record for most senior appearances (108 caps) for the Super Eagles.
He etched his name in Nigerian football history by becoming the first player to score multiple goals in a single FIFA World Cup match, achieving this feat against Argentina in 2014 and repeating it against Iceland in 2018.
He also played a crucial role in Nigeria's 2013 AFCON triumph.
Musa's club career has also seen him take the field in leagues across the Netherlands, England, Russia, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, and he has lifted trophies on three continents. His club trophy cabinet includes three Russian Premier League titles with CSKA Moscow, as well as the Saudi league and Super Cup with Al Nassr.
