By

Prince Suleiman Yahaya Kwande

As a football administrator, a former member of the NFF Executive Committee for twelve years, and the current Chairman of the Plateau State Football Association, I feel deeply honoured to celebrate Ahmed Musa as he retires from the Super Eagles after 15 years of dedicated service to Nigeria.

This moment is both proud and emotional for me.

Ahmed Musa’s journey means a lot to me, not only because of his great achievements, but because of where his story began.

His football dream started at the Aminci Playground in Bukuru, Plateau State. It was a simple ground. But it was filled with passion, discipline, and hope. From those early days, it was clear that Musa had talent and belief. He knew football could change his life.

I followed his progress closely. I celebrated his growth from grassroots football to the international stage. Through good times and difficult moments, I watched him grow into a true national hero.

Plateau State raised Ahmed Musa, just as it shaped my own path. This shared background makes his success very personal. Wherever he played, he carried the pride of Plateau State and wore Nigeria’s green and white with honour, courage, and full commitment.

Ahmed Musa’s impact on Nigerian football is clear and historic.

He earned 108 caps for Nigeria, making him one of the most capped players in Super Eagles history. He scored 16 international goals, many of them important and memorable.

He remains Nigeria’s highest goal scorer at the FIFA World Cup, with four goals against top teams. He represented Nigeria at the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups and several AFCON tournaments.

He won AFCON in 2013, earned bronze in 2019, and silver in 2023. He also served proudly as Captain of the Super Eagles, leading with example on and off the field.

Beyond these numbers, Ahmed Musa will be remembered most for his leadership.

As captain, he inspired his teammates. He supported young players and helped keep unity in the team during tough times. His voice in the dressing room mattered because it came from experience, discipline, sacrifice, and consistency.

At club level, he represented Nigeria well in Europe, especially with CSKA Moscow and Leicester City. He won league titles and competed at the highest level. Yet, no matter where he played, representing Nigeria always remained his top priority.

Ahmed Musa’s story shows that greatness can come from humble beginnings. From Bukuru to the World Cup stage, from Aminci Playground to global recognition, his journey is a lesson to young Nigerian footballers. 

Indeed, talent, when joined with discipline, humility, and hard work, can take you anywhere.

On behalf of the Plateau State Football family and the entire Nigerian Football community, I salute you, Ahmed Musa.

*Your service, sacrifice, leadership, and legacy will always be remembered. Your name is forever written in the history of Nigerian football.*

Nigeria is proud of you. Plateau State is proud of you.

God willing the Plateau State Football Association, on behalf of the people of Plateau State, will organise a grand reception to welcome you home.

*_Prince Suleiman Yahaya Kwande is the Chairman of Plateau State Football Association, PFA_*