NIGERIA’S TOP WORLD CUP SCORER AHMED MUSA RETIRES AFTER 15 YEARS
Nigeria’s most capped player, Ahmed Musa, retired from the Super Eagles. We look back at his 111 caps and World Cup heroics.
Ahmed Musa, Nigeria's most capped player, has announced his retirement from international soccer.
This decision, coming at age 33, follows a few days after William Troost-Ekong, stand-in captain for the Super Eagles, also ended his international career with the three-time African champions.
Musa's choice was influenced by not being picked for Nigeria’s team for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which starts in Morocco on December 21.
Dear Nigerians, Super Eagles family, after thinking it over, I've decided to retire from international soccer, ending almost 15 years with the Super Eagles, Musa shared in a social media post.
From my first call-up, wearing the green and white meant everything. I was just a kid when it started.
I remember being invited to the U20, the U23, and the Super Eagles at the same time. I was young, still learning, and always on the road, but I never complained.
Whenever Nigeria called, I was there. I never had to think twice about it.
Musa gained fame with Kano Pillars, a top Nigerian team, after playing for Nigeria at the youth level.
He debuted for the senior team on September 5, 2010, at 17, replacing John Obi Mikel in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar, which Nigeria won 2–0.
Musa scored his first international goal in March 2011 in a friendly match against Kenya.
Soccer took me around the world, but Nigeria was always my home. Playing 111 games for my country is something I really respect,” he added.
Becoming the most capped player in Nigerian soccer history is a big honor. Every time I wore the jersey, I knew the responsibility that came with it.
I gave it my all, good times or bad, because playing for Nigeria was always bigger than me.
Musa played for Nigeria for 15 years, surpassing Vincent Enyeama and Joseph Yobo to become the country’s most capped international player, with 111 appearances.
The former Leicester City and CSKA Moscow forward played a big part in Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations victory and is also Nigeria’s top goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history.
There are moments I’ll never forget. Winning the 2013 AFCON is one. The team showed what it meant to play for Nigeria, he said.
Scoring at the World Cup, against Argentina and Iceland, are memories I’ll always have. Scoring four goals at the World Cup and being Nigeria’s top scorer there is something I’m thankful for.
Being captain of the Super Eagles was another important part of my time. Wearing the armband taught me about responsibility, patience, and putting others first.
It wasn't about being in charge but about helping the team, supporting younger players, and standing up for the team. Even when things were tough, my commitment to Nigeria never changed.
Soccer gave me a career, but Nigeria gave me purpose. To my teammates, coaches, staff, and administrators over the years, thank you for believing in me.
To the fans at home and abroad, in the stadium and watching on TV, your support meant everything. As I leave international soccer, I do so knowing I gave my best.
I know the Super Eagles will keep moving forward. And I know this bond will never break. Once an Eagle, always an Eagle.
RECORD REWARDS: HOW MUCH WILL THE 2026 WORLD CUP WINNER EARN
FIFA boosts prize money to £490M while slashing ticket prices after fan backlash. Is the 2026 World Cup finally affordable?
FIFA is putting up a massive £490 million in prize money for next summer's World Cup. The tournament is less than half a year away, and the draw is already done. Even though some teams still need to qualify, FIFA has said how much prize money each country will get.
That's half as much again as what was up for grabs at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Every team is guaranteed at least £1.1 million to cover their costs. Teams that come in between 33rd and 48th place will get £6.7 million. If a team finishes between 17th and 32nd, they can get £8.2 million, and those that rank between ninth and 16th will be given £11.2 million. The money goes up from there, with the fourth-place team getting £20 million and the third-place team taking home £21.7 million.
The numbers get seriously big when you look at the two teams in the final. The team that loses gets around £24.7 million, while the winners get £37.4 million, plus the trophy.
FIFA's prize money announcement comes after people have been slamming their ticket prices. Fans have attacked FIFA for making prices too high. The cheapest ticket for the final is expected to cost around £4,000.
Because of this, the organization has made a big change, cutting about ten percent of each country's ticket allocation to roughly £45 per ticket.
A FIFA person said, Fans of the national teams that have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will get cheaper tickets, so it's more affordable to follow their teams.
The new Supporter Entry Tier will be priced at USD 60 per ticket for each of the 104 matches, the final included.
The tournament starts on June 11, 2026, with Mexico, one of the hosts, playing South Africa in the first game. England's first match is a few days later, on June 17 in Arlington, against Croatia.
HEARTBREAKING LOSS: HOW WILL WOLVES HONOR ACADEMY GRADUATE ETHAN MCLEOD ON SATURDAY
From Wolves Academy to Macclesfield hero, we ask: how will Ethan McLeod’s infectious personality be remembered by his teammates?
After the death of Ethan McLeod, a former academy player, Wolves have shared their thoughts online.
Macclesfield Town shared the sad news on Wednesday. Ethan, 21, played in the Wolves youth system for ten years before moving to Macclesfield this year. He was driving home from a game at Bedford Town when he died in a car crash.
The club posted: It is with great sadness that Macclesfield FC confirms the death of Ethan McLeod, a 21-year-old forward. Ethan was involved in a car accident on the M1 last night while returning from Bedford Town, which tragically took his life.
Ethan was a very talented and respected member of our First Team Squad, with a bright future ahead. More than that, everyone loved Ethan because of his infectious personality. He always gave his all, pushing us to be our best, both on and off the field.
Ethan's professionalism and hard work inspired everyone. His love for life made us all smile, even on bad days. The news of Ethan's death has deeply saddened our club, and we are at a loss for words about how sad we feel.
The emotional pain from Ethan's death will never go away. But one thing is certain: Ethan's memory will live on, no matter how much time passes. Ethan will always be in our hearts, and we will never forget his unique smile that captivated us all.
We send our deepest sympathy to Ethan's family and friends during this difficult time. We will do everything we can to support those who need it. May you rest in peace, Ethan. You will always be a Silkman.
Wolves also shared a touching message about Ethan, saying, "We are heartbroken to hear about the death of Ethan McLeod at 21." Ethan joined @WolvesAcademy at seven and signed professional terms before leaving in September 2024.
We are sending our love to Ethan's family, friends, and everyone at Macclesfield. Ethan's younger brother, Conor, is currently in our under-21 squad. The club will be supporting him and his family. We will have a minute of silence at Saturday's game against Brentford to remember Ethan.
While at Wolves, Ethan played on loan for Alvechurch and Rushall Olympic before joining Macclesfield this year. Since July, he has played three times and scored once.
The football world came together on Wednesday after the tragic news of his death. Many clubs, including Crystal Palace, Leeds United, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Charlton Athletic, sent their condolences in response to Macclesfield's statement.
Rushall Olympic wrote about their former player: We are very sad to learn about the tragic death of Ethan McLeod. Ethan made history for us, scoring the winning penalty against Peterborough Sports to send us to the First Round of the FA Cup last season.
His name will forever be in our club's history. We will remember Ethan at our home game against Leek Town on Saturday. Our thoughts are with Ethan's friends, family, and Macclesfield FC during this sad time. RIP Ethan.
Many players also shared messages on Instagram to honour Ethan after his death. Harry Birtwhistle of Wacker Burghausen, who was in the Wolves youth system with Ethan, wrote, "The best person I ever met in football." An ex-Chelsea and West Ham striker shared a teary-eyed emoji.
Dane Scarlett, Kaide Gordon, Lino Sousa, Cody Johnson, and Nico O'Reilly also shared their condolences. Coaches from Baller League, including Tobjizzle and Sharky, also posted messages after Ethan joined the six-a-side competition with VZN FC this year.