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‘I Gave My Best’: Ahmed Musa Retires From International Football
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Ahmed Musa has brought an end to his international career with the Super Eagles of Nigeria, following an illustrious period that included winning the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Musa, a former Leicester City forward, announced his retirement on Wednesday, describing his stint with the Super Eagles as a thing of “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. From the very first call-up, wearing the green and white meant everything to me,” the winger, who is fondly known as the “Governor,” wrote in a post announcing his retirement from the national team.
Musa thanked fans, coaches, and teammates for their support during his time with the Super Eagles.
“Football gave me a career, but Nigeria gave me meaning. To my teammates over the years, the coaches, backroom staff, and administrators, thank you for believing in me,” he wrote.
“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.
“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 Pillar manager is Nigeria’s highest scorer at the World Cup, with four goals, including a brace against Argentina in Brazil 2014. He replicated the feat four years later when the Super Eagles dispatched European side Iceland 2-0 in Russia.
Musa, 33, began his career with Kano Pillars before moving to Europe, where he featured prominently for clubs like CSKA Moscow in Russia, VV Venlo of the Netherlands, and Turkish teams Karagümrük and Sivasspor.
He also played for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, helping them clinch the title.
The AFCON winner returned to Nigeria in September 2024 as a player and was later appointed as the club’s general manager.
His retirement came weeks after defender William Troost-Ekong bowed out from the Super Eagles.
Musa, until Wednesday’s announcement, was last called up to the national team in the 2023 AFCON but did not play a single minute as the Super Eagles reached the final of the competition hosted by eventual winners Cote d’Ivoire.
Arsenal are exploring a deal to sign winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge.
According to The Athletic, a move for Tzolis would not impact the Gunners’ interest in Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers or an alternative target.
The club’s sporting director, Andrea Bertea, continues to work in the market to strengthen their attack.
Sources believe a deal for Tzolis could be possible for around €40million.
The 24-year-old scored 43 goals for Club Brugge across two seasons, having found the net 23 times for Fortuna Dusseldorf in 2. Bundesliga in 2023-24.
Arsenal are looking to bring in a new left winger, and have inquired about Juventus’ 21-year-old Turkey international Kenan Yildiz.
Ghana have suffered a major setback ahead of their opening match at the 2026 World Cup after midfielder Thomas Partey was reportedly denied entry into Canada.
Partey will be unavailable to play in Ghana opening match against Panama in Canada on June 17, access denied.
The Black Stars are scheduled to face Panama on Wednesday in their first Group game at the BMO Field in Toronto.
However, Partey will not be available for the encounter after being unable to travel to Canada, according to The Athletic.
The development comes as a major blow to Ghana’s preparations, with the former Arsenal midfielder expected to play a key role in the team’s campaign.
Partey’s absence means Ghana will have to make changes to its midfield plans for the match against Panama.
The reason for the entry denial was not officially stated by Ghanaian football authorities, but the Canadian government website states that “if you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed into Canada.”
Partey was recently charged with sexual assault, but he is awaiting trial and has not been convicted.
The former Arsenal star has denied the charges.
His unavailability leaves Ghana without one of their most experienced players as they begin their World Cup campaign in Toronto.
Ghana will be hoping to begin their campaign on a strong note despite Partey’s absence.
The Black Stars are among the African teams expected to make an impact at the tournament, but the latest development has added pressure on the coaching crew ahead of the opener.
The team will now have to rely on other midfield options to fill the gap left by Partey as they seek victory against Panama.
Co-hosts Mexico kicked off the 2026 World Cup against South Africa in Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca on Thursday.
Mexico’s forward #16 Julian Quinones celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.
Co-hosts Mexico kicked off the 2026 World Cup against South Africa in Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca on Thursday.
The 29-year-old struck in the ninth minute, his powerful shot going between the legs of the South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to send the 80,000 spectators wild.
Mexico’s forward Julian Quinones celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.
It was the earliest first goal at a World Cup since 2006, when Philipp Lahm netted for Germany against Costa Rica after six minutes.
The South Africa players have been exchanging some short passes, trying to open up the opposition’s defence and hit them swiftly on the break, but the co-hosts have been dominant so far.
South Africa’s forward Iqraam Rayners and Mexico’s defender Johan Vasquez fight for the ball during the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.
Before the kickoff, the 80,000-strong crowd was entertained by Nigerian star Burna Boy, Colombian singer Shakira and a host of performers in an opening ceremony.
More to follow…
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