Ahmed Musa
{{short description|Nigerian footballer}}
{{About|the footballer|the politician|Ahmed Musa (politician)}}
{{EngvarB|date=July 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Use Nigerian English|date=June 2021}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Ahmed Musa
| image = Ahmed Musa 20180625.jpg
| caption = Musa training with Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1992|10|14|df=y}}{{cite web|url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/5208/Ahmed-Musa/overview|title=Ahmed Musa: Overview|publisher=Premier League|access-date=30 June 2022}}
| birth_place = Jos, Plateau, Nigeria
| position = Winger
| currentclub = Kano Pillars
| clubnumber = 7
| youthyears1 = 2005–2008
| youthclubs1 = GBS Academy
| years1 = 2008–2010
| clubs1 = GBS Academy
| caps1 = 0
| goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2008–2009
| clubs2 = → JUTH (loan)
| caps2 = 18
| goals2 = 4
| years3 = 2009–2010
| clubs3 = → Kano Pillars (loan)
| caps3 = 25
| goals3 = 18
| years4 = 2010–2012
| clubs4 = VVV-Venlo
| caps4 = 37
| goals4 = 8
| years5 = 2012–2016
| clubs5 = CSKA Moscow
| caps5 = 125
| goals5 = 42
| years6 = 2016–2018
| clubs6 = Leicester City
| caps6 = 21
| goals6 = 2
| years7 = 2018
| clubs7 = → CSKA Moscow (loan)
| caps7 = 10
| goals7 = 6
| years8 = 2018–2020
| clubs8 = Al-Nassr
| caps8 = 50
| goals8 = 9
| years9 = 2021
| clubs9 = Kano Pillars
| caps9 = 8
| goals9 = 0
| years10 = 2021–2022
| clubs10 = Fatih Karagümrük
| caps10 = 34
| goals10 = 2
| years11 = 2022–2024
| clubs11 = Sivasspor
| caps11 = 19
| goals11 = 0
| years12 = 2024–
| clubs12 = Kano Pillars
| caps12 = 23
| goals12 = 10
| nationalyears1 = 2011
| nationalteam1 = Nigeria U20
| nationalcaps1 = 6
| nationalgoals1 = 3
| nationalyears2 = 2011
| nationalteam2 = Nigeria U23
| nationalcaps2 = 1
| nationalgoals2 = 1
| nationalyears3 = 2010–
| nationalteam3 = Nigeria
| nationalcaps3 = 111
| nationalgoals3 = 16
| medaltemplates = {{MedalCountry|{{fb|NGA}}}}
{{Medal|Competition|Africa Cup of Nations}}
{{Medal|W|2013 South Africa|}}
{{Medal|RU|2023 Ivory Coast|}}
| club-update = 17 May 2025
| nationalteam-update = 21:00, 28 May 2025 (UTC)
}}
Ahmed Musa {{post-nominals|country=NGA|OON|MON|post-noms=}} ({{IPAc-en|audio=Ha-Ahmed Musa.ogg|ˈ|ɑː|x|m|ɛ|d|_|m|u:|s|ə}}; born 14 October 1992) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a forward or winger for Kano Pillars in the NPFL and the Nigeria national team.
Musa became the first Nigerian to score more than once in a FIFA World Cup match, after scoring twice against Argentina in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.{{cite news|author1=Oluwashina Okeleji|title=World Cup 2014: Musa revels in Nigerian goals record|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28035927|access-date=26 June 2014|publisher=BBC Sport|date=26 June 2014}} Musa is also the first Nigerian to score in two FIFA World Cup competitions, after scoring another brace against Iceland in the group stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.{{cite web |title=Nigeria vs Iceland : Ahmed Musa first Nigerian to score at two World Cups |date=22 June 2018 |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/06/nigeria-vs-iceland-ahmed-musa-first-nigerian-to-score-at-two-world-cups/ |publisher=Vanguard |access-date=8 September 2018}} With 111 appearances, he is Nigeria's most capped player since November 2021. Musa was a member of the Saudi club Al Nassr's squad that won the Saudi Premier League and Saudi Super Cup, both in 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-xl/sport/football/super-eagles-star-ahmed-musa-wins-prestigious-title-with-his-club-in-saudi-arabia/ar-BBYCLiK?li=AAIdK1J|title=Super Eagles star Ahmed Musa wins prestigious title with his club in Saudi Arabia|website=www.msn.com|access-date=6 January 2020}}
Club career
=Breakthrough in Nigeria=
In 2008, Musa was loaned to JUTH F.C.{{cite web|url=http://www.kanopillars.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=59:special-thanks-to-pillars-ahmad-musa&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=1|title=The Official Website of Kano Pillars Football Club – Masu Gida}}{{Dead link|date=September 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} where he played 18 games, scoring four goals in his first two professional seasons for the Healers. He was subsequently loaned to Kano Pillars F.C.,{{cite web|url=http://naijaligue.blogspot.com/2010/04/kano-pillars-is-bigger-than-me-ahmad.html|title=Nigerian Football League: Kano Pillars Is Bigger Than Me – Ahmad Musa|first=George|last=Akpayen|date=17 April 2010}} in the 2009–10 season where he set the league record scoring multiple crucial goals as Pillars finished second.
Musa held the record for the highest goals ever scored in one season in the history of the Nigeria Premier League{{cite web|url=http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=1635|title=AHMED MUSA breaks Premier League Goals Record:: All Nigeria Soccer – The Complete Nigerian Football Portal}} until November 2011, when Jude Aneke of Kaduna United F.C. set a new record of 20 goals.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtnfootball.com/africa/nigeria/premier-league/news/2011/nov/02-aneke-sets-new-npl-goals-tally.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111118043458/http://www.mtnfootball.com/africa/nigeria/premier-league/news/2011/nov/02-aneke-sets-new-npl-goals-tally.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 November 2011|title=MTN Football}}
=VVV-Venlo=
Musa was transferred to Dutch club VVV-Venlo in summer 2010,{{cite web|url=http://naijaligue.blogspot.com/2010/07/musa-leaves-for-vvv-venlo-in-fortnight.html|title=Nigerian Football League: Musa Leaves For VVV Venlo In Fortnight|first=George|last=Akpayen|date=29 July 2010}} but the move was held up because he was only 17 years of age and therefore not eligible for an ITC in accordance with the current FIFA rules.[http://www.tribune.com.ng/index.php/sports/9991-ahmed-musa-too-young-to-leave-for-europe Musa too young to leave for Europe] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100820101728/http://www.tribune.com.ng/index.php/sports/9991-ahmed-musa-too-young-to-leave-for-europe |date=20 August 2010 }} He was officially eligible to play for VVV-Venlo on 14 October 2010 when he eventually turned 18 years of age.
Less than a week after arriving at the club, Musa made his debut for VVV-Venlo against FC Groningen on 30 October. He started the game for VVV-Venlo, was fouled in the 50th minute and received a penalty kick.{{Cite web|title=NPL 2009/10 exports shine abroad|url=https://supersport.com/football/nigeria/news/101230/NPL_200910_exports_shine_abroad|access-date=2021-06-01|website=supersport.com|language=en|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214112/https://supersport.com/football/nigeria/news/101230/NPL_200910_exports_shine_abroad|url-status=dead}}
Rated by Goal.com amongst the Hot 100 young football stars in the world to watch in 2011,{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/3376/goalcom-youth-football/2011/01/01/2284652/goalcom-hot-100-the-young-stars-to-look-out-for-in-2011|title=Goal.com Hot 100 – The Young Stars To Look Out For in 2011 |date=31 December 2010}}
Lolade Adewuyi of Goal.com put him on the list of Top Ten Nigerian International Players of 2010{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/84/africa/2010/12/30/2283874/goalcoms-top-ten-nigerian-players-of-2010|title=Goal.com's Top Ten Nigerian Players of 2010 |date=30 December 2010}} and was also included in IFFHS list of the best 140 players in the world.{{cite web|url=http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=3374|title=AHMED MUSA and MIKEL OBI Make IFFHS World's Best Shortlist:: All Nigeria Soccer – The Complete Nigerian Football Portal}}
On 8 March 2011, Ahmed Musa won the AIT footballer of the year award (national). The ceremony was held at the Presidential Hotel, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The event had in attendance, BBC African Footballer of the Year winner, Ghanaian Asamoah Gyan and the top officials from the Nigerian football federation including the president Aminu Maigari.{{cite web|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201103140568.html|title=Nigeria: AIT Awards – Rewarding Soccer Excellence|first=Peter|last=Edema|date=14 March 2011|publisher=AllAfrica}}
In April, Venlo's football director Mario Captien said that representatives of Tottenham Hotspur had visited the club regarding the player,[http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/news/2011/04/tottenham-interest-in-ahmed-musa-confirmed VVV Confirm Totenham interest in Ahmed Musa 8 April 2011] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110411051926/http://completesportsnigeria.com/news/2011/04/tottenham-interest-in-ahmed-musa-confirmed |date=11 April 2011 }} also Ajax scout Tijani Babangida said that Ajax were interested in Musa but that the outcome would be decided at the end of the season.{{cite web|url=http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=4544|title=Ajax Scout, BABANGIDA: Nothing Concrete for AHMED MUSA:: All Nigeria Soccer – The Complete Nigerian Football Portal}}
On 1 May 2011, Musa hit a brace to sink Feyenoord 3–2 and end any lingering fears of automatic relegation from the Eredivisie.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/05/01/SOCCER_VVV-Venlo_Nightlead.html&BID=4|title=Sporting life: Musas treble downs feyenoord 01/05/2011}}{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,12040_6908342,00.html|title=Eredivisie round-up}}
In August 2011, after returning from the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia, Musa made his first appearance of the 2011–12 season at home against AFC Ajax and scored two goals.{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/946962/eredivisie-musa-double-pegs-back-ajax|title=Musa double pegs back Ajax}}
In September VVV-Venlo chairman Hai Berden disclosed on Eredivisie Live that VVV-Venlo had turned down a last minute bid of €10 million for Musa from the Bundesliga. The name of the Bundesliga club was not disclosed.
=CSKA Moscow=
On 7 January 2012, Musa signed for Russian side CSKA Moscow for an undisclosed fee.{{Cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2012/01/07/2834810/official-cska-moscow-sign-ahmed-musa-from-vvv-venlo-for-5|title=Official: CSKA Moscow sign Ahmed Musa from VVV-Venlo for €5 million {{!}} Goal.com|website=www.goal.com|language=en|access-date=2018-10-16}}
On 17 September 2014 he scored an 82nd minute consolation goal in a 5–1 UEFA Champions League away rout to A.S. Roma.{{cite web|url=https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=nl&u=http://www.vi.nl/Nieuws-item/213859/CSKA-Moskou-neemt-Musa-over-van-VVVVenlo.htm&ei=tZEIT_jDJo-YOq359e8H&sa=X&oi=translate&ct=result&resnum=1&sqi=2&ved=0CC0Q7gEwAA&prev=/search?q=CSKA+Moskou+neemt+Musa+over+van+VVV-Venlo&hl=en&biw=1909&bih=982&prmd=imvns|title=Google Translate}} On 1 June 2015, Musa signed a new four-year contract with CSKA until the end of the 2018–19 season.{{cite web|title=Ahmed Musa signs new 4-year deal with PFC CSKA|url=http://en.pfc-cska.com/news/team-news/Ahmed-Musa-signs-new-4-year-deal-with-PFC-CSKA/|website=PFC CSKA Moscow|access-date=23 June 2015|date=1 June 2015}} He finished the 2015–16 Russian Premier League season as the 5th highest scorer, becoming one of only seven players aged 23 or younger to reach double figures for goals in each of the past two seasons in Europe's top seven leagues.{{citation|title = Leicester's new signings: The stats that made them stand out|url = http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11712/10512501/leicester8217s-new-signings-the-stats-that-made-them-stand-out|publisher = Sky Sports|author = Adam Bate|date = 27 July 2016|access-date = 9 January 2017}}{{cite web|title=Musa Ahmed|url=http://en.pfc-cska.com/team/players/*4673/|website=en.pfc-cska.com/|publisher=CSKA Moscow|access-date=14 November 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117021421/http://en.pfc-cska.com/team/players/*4673/|archive-date=17 November 2015}}
=Leicester City=
File:David Luiz and Ahmed Musa.jpg at Stamford Bridge on 15 October 2016]]
On 8 July 2016, Musa moved to Leicester City for a club record £16.6 million.{{cite web|publisher=Leicester City F.C. |url=http://www.lcfc.com/news/article/2016-17/leicester-city-agree-deal-for-ahmed-musa-3175203.aspx |title=Leicester City Agree Deal For Ahmed Musa |date=8 July 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161231054424/http://www.lcfc.com/news/article/2016-17/leicester-city-agree-deal-for-ahmed-musa-3175203.aspx |archive-date=31 December 2016 }} He scored his first goals with the club in a friendly against Barcelona in the 2016 International Champions Cup which ended in a 4–2 loss.{{cite news |title=Barcelona 4-2 Leicester City: Foxes club-record signing Ahmed Musa scores twice |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/36969444 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=BBC Sport |date=3 August 2016}} He made his Premier League debut on 13 August 2016 in the club's opening day 2–1 defeat to Hull City.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36994520|title=Hull City 2–1 Leicester City|publisher=BBC Sport|date=13 August 2016|access-date=24 October 2016}} He scored his first Premier League goal with the opener in a 3–1 victory over Crystal Palace on 22 October 2016.{{cite news |last1=Lewis |first1=Aimee |title=Leicester City 3-1 Crystal Palace |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37663854 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=BBC Sport |date=22 October 2016}}
By January 2017, Musa was yet to register an assist for the club, contributing an average of 0.5 key passes, 0.3 crosses and 1.2 successful dribbles per game.{{citation|title = Leicester's new signings failing to make impact for champions|url = http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11712/10734910/leicesters-new-signings-failing-to-make-impact-for-champions|publisher = Sky Sports|date = 21 January 2017|access-date = 23 January 2017}}
==Loan return to CSKA Moscow==
On 30 January 2018, Musa returned to CSKA Moscow on loan for the remainder of the 2017–18 season.{{citation|title = Ahmed Musa: CSKA Moscow sign Leicester City striker on loan|url = https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/42871587|publisher = BBC Sport|date = 30 January 2018|access-date = 30 January 2018}}
=Al Nassr=
On 4 August 2018, Musa moved to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr on a permanent deal.{{cite news|title =Ahmed Musa: Leicester City forward joins Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia |url =https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45055581 |publisher = BBC Sport|date = 3 August 2018|access-date = 27 January 2019}} In October 2020, Al Nassr announced that Musa was leaving.{{Cite news|url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/football/423111-ahmed-musa-leaves-saudi-club.html |work=Premium times|last=Eludini|first=Tunde|title=Ahmed Musa leaves Saudi club|date=26 Oct 2020}} It was reported that Premier League club West Bromwich Albion was expected to complete a move for Ahmed Musa in the January transfer window for the 2020–21 season.{{Cite web|url=https://m.guardian.ng/sport/west-brom-to-complete-ahmed-musa-move-wednesday/amp/|title = West Brom to complete Ahmed Musa move Wednesday}}
=Return to Kano Pillars=
On 13 April 2021, Musa rejoined Nigerian club Kano Pillars until the end of the 2020–21 season.{{Cite web|date=2021-04-13|title=Official: Ahmed Musa rejoins Kano Pillars until the end of the season|url=https://kano-pillars.com/official-ahmed-musa-rejoins-kano-pillars-until-the-end-of-the-season/|access-date=2021-04-14|website=Kano Pillars FC|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=2021-04-14|title=Ex-Leicester forward Musa rejoins Nigerian club Kano Pillars|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210414-ex-leicester-forward-musa-rejoins-nigerian-club-kano-pillars|access-date=2021-06-07|website=France 24|language=en}}
= Turkey =
== Fatih Karagümrük ==
On 23 July 2021, Musa joined Turkish club Fatih Karagümrük,{{Cite web |last=Inyang |first=Ifreke |date=2021-07-23 |title=Ahmed Musa's new club confirmed |url=https://dailypost.ng/2021/07/23/ahmed-musas-new-club-confirmed/ |access-date=2023-07-05 |website=Daily Post Nigeria |language=en-US}} signing a two-year contract.{{Cite news |last=Okeleji |first=Oluwashina |date=23 July 2021 |title=Nigeria captain Musa seals European return |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/africa/57940707 |access-date=2023-07-05}} After one season, Musa terminated his contract on a mutual agreement.{{Cite web |date=2022-09-02 |title=Turkey's Fatih Karagumruk terminate Ahmed Musa's contract |url=https://www.thecable.ng/turkeys-fatih-karagumruk-terminate-ahmed-musas-contract |access-date=2023-07-05 |website=TheCable |language=en-US}}
== Sivasspor ==
On 2 September 2022, Musa signed on a free transfer for Turkish club Sivasspor on a two-year deal.{{Cite web |date=2022-09-02 |title=Ahmed Musa Demir Grup Sivasspor'umuzda - Demir Grup Sivasspor Kulübü Resmi İnternet Sitesi |url=https://www.sivasspor.org.tr/ahmed-musa-demir-grup-sivassporumuzda/ |access-date=2023-07-05 |language=tr}} His contract was terminated on mutual agreement.{{Cite web |last=Amosu |first=Adeboye |date=2024-02-28 |title=Musa Part Ways With Turkish Club Sivasspor |url=https://www.completesports.com/musa-part-ways-with-turkish-club-sivasspor/ |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=Complete Sports |language=en-us}}
International career
File:Ahmed Musa 2013.jpg in 2013]]
File:Nigeria vs Argentina.jpg at the 2018 FIFA World Cup]]
In April 2010 under Coach Lars Lagerbäck, he was called up to join the Nigeria national football team camp prior to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa{{cite web|url=http://www.kickoff.com/news/14936/utaka-gets-nigeria-recall.php|title=John Utaka gets Nigeria World Cup recall|last=www.realnet.co.uk|date=19 April 2010|access-date=18 April 2010|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141451/http://www.kickoff.com/news/14936/utaka-gets-nigeria-recall.php|url-status=dead}} after helping the Nigerian team win in the 2010 WAFU Nations Cup where he scored a goal against Benin.[http://mtn8.mtnfootball.com/live/content.php?Item_ID=28061 Mtn football news 10 April 2010] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110822165640/http://mtn8.mtnfootball.com/live/content.php?Item_ID=28061 |date=22 August 2011 }} In the same tournament against Burkina Faso, Musa's goal deep into extra-time shot Nigeria into the finals of the tournament in Abeokuta.{{cite web|url=http://www.kickoff.com/news/14920/ahmed-musa-shoots-nigeria-to-wafu-cup-final.php|title=Ahmed Musa shoots Nigeria to WAFU Cup Final|last=www.realnet.co.uk|date=16 April 2010}} He was however forced out of the Super Eagles' 30-man World Cup roster due to an ankle injury.{{cite web|url=http://thenationonlineng.net/web2/articles/46129/1/Lagerback-rues-Pillars-Musas-injury/Page1.html|title=The Nation Newspaper Nigeria – Read Latest Nigeria News|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509202412/http://thenationonlineng.net/web2/articles/46129/1/Lagerback-rues-Pillars-Musas-injury/Page1.html|archive-date=9 May 2012}}
On 5 September 2010, at the age of 17, Musa made his debut for the Nigeria senior team in a qualification match for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations against Madagascar, where he came on as a substitute for Mikel John Obi in a 2–0 win.{{cite news|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/players/player=344714/profile-detail.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140613014043/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/players/player=344714/profile-detail.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 June 2014|title=Agmed MUSA|access-date=26 June 2014|publisher=FIFA}} Musa scored his first goal for the Super Eagles in a March 2011 friendly against Kenya.
In April 2011, Ahmed Musa was included in the Nigeria national under-20 football team squad to represent the nation in the 2011 African Youth Championship qualifiers, even though VVV Venlo had declared him unavailable for the tournament due to club commitments. After some intense negotiations with the Nigerian Federation, VVV Venlo and Musa's representatives it was agreed that Musa will shuttle between the Netherlands and South Africa to participate in the tournament with the national team.{{cite web|url=http://www.supersport.com/football/nigeria/news/110414/VVVVenlo_decide_on_Musa_this_weekend|title=VVV-Venlo decide on Musa this weekend}}
After the opening game against defending champions Ghana, Musa won the most valuable player award and boarded the next flight back to the Netherlands.
In August 2011, Musa represented Nigeria U20 in the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup held in Colombia, where he scored three goals in five matches. Musa was included by FIFA in shortlist of 10 candidates for the Adidas Golden Ball, which was awarded to the most outstanding player of the FIFA U-20 World Cup.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/news/newsid=1495568/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026053923/http://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/news/newsid=1495568/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 October 2011|title=adidas Golden ball shortlist announced|last=FIFA.com|date=19 August 2011}}
On 7 December 2011, Ahmed Musa was one of the four nominees named for the Confederation of African Football Most Promising Talent Award, however the award went to Ivory Coast's Souleymane Coulibaly.
Musa was called up to Nigeria's 23-man squad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20970786|title=Nations Cup 2013: Nigeria pick six locally-based players|author=Oluwashina Okeleji|date=10 January 2013|access-date=10 January 2013|publisher=BBC Sport}} He scored in a 4–1 semi-final defeat of Mali and appeared as a substitute against Burkina Faso in the final, as the Super Eagles won their third continental title. Overall, he appeared in five of the team's six matches. At the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, he started in all three of the team's matches as they were eliminated in the group stage.
After appearing in all of Nigeria's qualifying matches, Musa was named in Stephen Keshi's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27302995|title=World Cup 2014: Nosa Igiebor cut from Nigeria squad|date=3 June 2014|access-date=26 June 2014|publisher=BBC}} He scored two goals in the team's final Group F match, a 3–2 defeat to Argentina.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25285406|title=Nigeria 2–3 Argentina|date=25 June 2014|access-date=26 June 2014|publisher=BBC}}
In October 2015, following the retirement of Vincent Enyeama from international football, Nigerian coach, Sunday Oliseh named Musa as the captain of the team.{{cite news|url=https://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/4093/nigerian-football/2015/10/09/16174222/official-ahmed-musa-confirmed-nigeria-captain-onazi-his|title=Ahmed Musa confirmed Nigeria captain, Onazi his deputy|date=9 October 2015|access-date=25 March 2021|publisher=Goal}} This decision was however reversed in 2016 as Mikel John Obi was named captain of the Nigerian squad and Musa was moved to Vice Captain.{{cite news|url=https://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/17252/super-eagles/2016/03/24/21649252/mikel-obi-named-new-nigeria-captain|title=Mikel Obi named new Nigeria captain|date=24 March 2016|access-date=25 March 2021|publisher=Goal}}
In May 2018 he was named in Nigeria's preliminary 30-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Though his performance against Iceland was superb, it was not enough to keep the West Africans in the tournament as they were eliminated by Argentina.{{cite web |last1=Crawford |first1=Stephen |title=Revealed: Every World Cup 2018 squad - Final 23-man lists |url=https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/revealed-every-world-cup-2018-squad-23-man-preliminary-lists/oa0atsduflsv1nsf6oqk576rb |website=Goal |access-date=11 July 2019 |date=4 June 2018}} On 22 June 2018, Musa scored twice in a 2–0 victory over Iceland in their second group match of the World Cup.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/22/nigeria-iceland-ahmed-musa-world-cup-group-d-match-report|title=Nigeria's Ahmed Musa punishes wasteful Iceland to give Argentina hope. Musa also gave out a public announcement |work=The Guardian|access-date=22 June 2018|date=22 June 2018}} In June 2019 he became the third most capped player for Nigeria's national team, surpassing Nwankwo Kanu, after appearing in a friendly against Zimbabwe.{{cite news |last1=Okogba |first1=Emmanuel |title=Mikel surpasses Kanu record for Nigeria |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/06/mikel-surpasses-kanu-record-for-nigeria/ |access-date=12 July 2019 |work=Vanguard |date=10 June 2019}} He was named in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations team by head coach Gernot Rohr.{{cite news |last1=Inyang |first1=Ifreke |title=AFCON 2019: Rohr announces final Super Eagles 23-man squad (Full list) |url=https://dailypost.ng/2019/06/09/breaking-afcon-2019-rohr-announces-final-super-eagles-23-man-squad-full-list/ |access-date=12 July 2019 |work=Daily Post |date=9 June 2019}} He was also part of the Nigerian squad at the 2021 and 2023 editions of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Cameroun and Ivory Coast respectively.{{Cite web |last=Football |first=CAF-Confedération Africaine du |title=Eguavoen announces Nigeria final TotalEnergies AFCON squad |url=https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/news/eguavoen-announces-nigeria-final-totalenergies-afcon-squad |access-date=2022-04-25 |website=CAFOnline.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Erezi |first=Dennis |date=2023-12-29 |title=AFCON 2023: Osimhen, Ahmed Musa, others make Nigeria squad |url=https://guardian.ng/sport/afcon-2023-osimhen-ahmed-musa-omeruo-make-nigerias-official-25-man-squad/ |access-date=2024-02-15 |website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News |language=en-US}} At the 2023 AFCON, Musa was an unused substitute throughout but his leadership role and positive influence on the team was widely acknowledged by the coach and players alike.{{Cite web |last=Eludini |first=Tunde |date=2024-01-28 |title=AFCON: Peseiro explains Ahmed Musa's "vital" role despite lack of playing time |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/662843-afcon-peseiro-explains-ahmed-musas-vital-role-despite-lack-of-playing-time.html |access-date=2024-02-15 |website=Premium Times Nigeria |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Sanyaolu |first=Isaac |date=2024-02-08 |title=Ahmed Musa: The Unseen Hero and True Captain of the Super Eagles |url=https://futball.com.ng/2024/02/08/captain-ahmed-musa/ |access-date=2024-02-15 |website=Futball Naija |language=en-US}}
Personal life
In April 2017, Musa was involved in a dispute with his estranged wife Jamila, resulting in the police being called to his home.{{cite news |author1=Aarons, Ed |author2=Okeleji, Oluwashina |title=Leicester's Ahmed Musa considering legal action over reports he beat up wife |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/apr/06/ahmed-musa-leicester-legal-action-wife |access-date=24 June 2018 |work=The Guardian |date=6 April 2017}} Shortly afterwards, the couple were divorced following "irreconcilable differences".{{cite news |last=Nwachukwu |first=John Owen |title=Why Ahmed Musa divorced his wife |url=http://dailypost.ng/2017/04/15/ahmed-musa-divorced-wife-family-source/ |access-date=24 June 2018 |work=Daily Post, Nigeria |date=15 April 2017}} On 23 May, Musa married Juliet Ejue in Abuja.{{cite news |last1=Adetayo |first1=Ayoola |title=Ahmed Musa: Nigerian footballer weds Juliet Ejue in Abuja |url=http://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/relationships-weddings/ahmed-musa-weds-juliet-ejue-in-abuja-id6729438.html |access-date=24 June 2018 |work=Pulse, Nigeria |date=24 May 2017}}{{cite news |title=Super Eagles' Ahmed Musa and Juliet Ejue are Married |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2017/05/super-eagles-ahmed-musa-and-juliet-ejue-are-married/ |access-date=24 June 2018 |work=BellaNaija.com |date=24 May 2017}}
In October 2017, Musa purchased a second petrol station in Nigeria.{{cite web |last=Carmichael |first=Charlie |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/leicesters-ahmed-musa-buys-second-petrol-station-nigeria |title=Leicester's Ahmed Musa buys second petrol station in Nigeria |date=12 October 2017 |access-date=10 April 2022 |work=FourFourTwo}}
On 24 January 2019, Musa confirmed the news of the death of his mother Sarah Musa on his Twitter page. She had previously been ill.{{cite web |last1=Admin |title=Ahmed Musa loses mum |url=https://punchng.com/ahmed-musa-loses-mum/ |website=Punch Ng |date=24 January 2019 |access-date=29 January 2019}}{{cite web |last1=Nsiyen |first1=Nsikak |title=SPORTSuper Eagles player, Ahmed Musa loses mum |url=http://dailypost.ng/2019/01/24/super-eagles-player-ahmed-musa-loses-mum/ |website=Daily Post |date=24 January 2019 |access-date=29 January 2019}}
Musa who is a Muslim, faced criticism from Muslims for wishing a Merry Christmas to his instagram followers with a post captioning: "Compliments of the season This festive season, I pray that you experience true joy and peace and may things of celebration never cease from your household. Merry Christmas to you all". Whilst posting a picture of his Christian Wife next to a Christmas Tree.{{Cite web |date=2023-12-26 |title=Ahmed Musa faces backlash for wishing fans Merry Christmas |url=https://www.afrik-foot.com/en-ng/ahmed-musa-christmas-backlash |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=www.afrik-foot.com |language=en-ng}}
Following the Criticism from Nigerian Muslims, Musa called on Nigerians to remember that “in the beautiful game, we stand united, transcending tribe and religion.”{{Cite web |last=Ubanagu |first=Makua |date=2024-01-28 |title=AFCON: Nigeria stands united, beyond tribe, religion — Musa |url=https://punchng.com/afcon-nigeria-stands-united-beyond-tribe-religion-musa/ |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=Punch Newspapers |language=en-US}}
Musa also implored Nigerians to “join hands for peace, goals, and a brighter future.”
Career statistics
=Club=
{{updated|match played 28 January 2024}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition | ||||||||||
| rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|Cup !colspan="2"|Continental !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| rowspan="3"|VVV-Venlo
|2010–11{{WorldFootball.net|ahmed-musa}} |23 | 5 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 4 | 2 | 27 | 7 | ||
| 2011–12
|Eredivisie |14 | 3 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 15 | 3 | |||
| colspan="2"|Total
!37 | 8 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 4 | 2 | 42 | 10 | ||
| rowspan="6"|CSKA Moscow
|RPL |11 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 13 | 1 | ||
| 2012–13
|RPL |28 | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 35 | 15 | ||
| 2013–14
|RPL |26 | 7 | 4 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 37 | 9 | |
| 2014–15
|RPL |30 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 39 | 11 | |
| 2015–16
|RPL |29 | 13 | 4 | 1 | 10 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 43 | 18 | |
| colspan="2"|Total
!124 | 42 | 15 | 6 | 26 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 167 | 55 | |
| rowspan="3"|Leicester City
|21 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 32 | 4 | |
| 2017–18
|Premier League |0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 1 | 1 | |||
| colspan="2"|Total
!21 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 33 | 5 | |
| CSKA Moscow (loan)
|RPL |10 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 7 | |
| rowspan="4"|Al Nassr
|SPL |24 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4{{efn|name=AC|Appearances in Arab Club Champions Cup}} | 1 | 31 | 10 | |
| 2019–20
|SPL |24 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 29 | 4 | |
| 2020–21
|SPL |2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| colspan="2"|Total
!50 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 62 | 14 | |
| Kano Pillars
|NPL |8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 8 | 0 | |||
| rowspan="3" |Fatih Karagümrük
|31 | 2 | 3 | 2 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 34 | 4 | |||
| 2022–23
|Süper Lig |3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2" |— | colspan="2" |— | 3 | 0 | |||
| colspan="2" |Total
!34 | 2 | 3 | 2 | colspan="2" |— | colspan="2" |— | 37 | 4 | |||
| rowspan="3"|Sivasspor
|Süper Lig |17 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 0 | |
| 2023–24
|Süper Lig |2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | colspan="2" |— | colspan="2" |— | 4 | 1 | |||
| colspan="2" |Total
!19 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 1 | |
| colspan="3" |Career total
!303 | 69 | 38 | 16 | 40 | 7 | 12 | 3 | 393 | 96 |
{{notelist}}
=International=
{{updated|match played 28 May 2025}}{{NFT player|40258|name=Ahmed Musa |access-date=23 June 2015}}{{cite web|title=Ahmed Musa - Century of International Appearances|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/nig-musa-intlg.html|website=RSSSF|access-date=13 June 2022}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year !National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals | ||
| rowspan="16"|Nigeria
|2010 | 2 | 0 |
| 2011 | 10 | 1 |
| 2012 | 6 | 2 |
| 2013 | 17 | 2 |
| 2014 | 12 | 4 |
| 2015 | 9 | 2 |
| 2016 | 5 | 0 |
| 2017 | 5 | 0 |
| 2018 | 13 | 4 |
| 2019 | 11 | 0 |
| 2020 | 4 | 0 |
| 2021 | 8 | 1 |
| 2022 | 4 | 0 |
| 2023 | 2 | 0 |
| 2024 | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | 1 | 0 |
| colspan="2"|Total||110||16 |
|---|
{{updated|match played 13 November 2021.}}
:Scores and results list Nigeria's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Musa goal.
| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Ahmed Musa | |||||||
| scope="col"|No.
!scope="col"|Date !scope="col"|Venue !scope="col"|Opponent !scope="col"|Score !scope="col"|Result !scope="col"|Competition !scope="col" class="unsortable"|{{Abbr|Ref.|References}} | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| align="center"|1 | 29 March 2011 | National Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria | {{fb|KEN}} | align="center"|1–0 | align="center"|3–0 | Friendly | |
| align="center"|2 | 16 June 2012 | U. J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, Nigeria | {{fb|RWA}} | align="center"|1–0 | align="center"|2–0 | rowspan="2"|2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualification | |
| align="center"|3 | 13 October 2012 | U. J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, Nigeria | {{fb|LBR}} | align="center"|2–0 | align="center"|6–1 | ||
| align="center"|4 | 6 February 2013 | Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban, South Africa | {{fb|MLI}} | align="center"|4–0 | align="center"|4–1 | 2013 African Cup of Nations | |
| align="center"|5 | 5 June 2013 | Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Kenya | {{fb|KEN}} | align="center"|1–0 | align="center"|1–0 | 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification | |
| align="center"|6 | rowspan="2"|25 June 2014 | rowspan="2"|Estádio Beira-Rio, Praia de Belas, Brazil | rowspan="2"|{{fb|ARG}} | align="center"|1–1 | rowspan="2" align="center"|2–3 | rowspan="2"|2014 FIFA World Cup | rowspan="2"| |
| align="center"|7 | align="center"|2–2 | ||||||
| align="center"|8 | rowspan="2"|15 October 2014 | rowspan="2"|National Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria | rowspan="2"|{{fb|SUD}} | align="center"|1–0 | rowspan="2" align="center"|3–1 | rowspan="2"|2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualification | rowspan="2"| |
| align="center"|9 | align="center"|3–1 | ||||||
| align="center"|10 | 28 March 2015 | Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit, South Africa | {{fb|RSA}} | align="center"|1–0 | align="center"|1–1 | rowspan="2"|Friendly | |
| align="center"|11 | 8 September 2015 | Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | {{fb|NIG}} | align="center"|1–0 | align="center"|2–0 | ||
| align="center"|12 | rowspan="2"|22 June 2018 | rowspan="2"|Volgograd Arena, Volgograd, Russia | rowspan="2"|{{fb|ISL}} | align="center"|1–0 | rowspan="2" align="center"|2–0 | rowspan="2"|2018 FIFA World Cup | rowspan="2"| |
| align="center"|13 | align="center"|2–0 | ||||||
| align="center"|14 | 8 September 2018 | Stade Linité, Victoria, Seychelles | {{fb|SEY}} | align="center"|1–0 | align="center"|3–0 | rowspan="2"|2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualification | |
| align="center"|15 | 16 October 2018 | Stade Taïeb Mhiri, Sfax, Tunisia | {{fb|Libya}} | align="center"|2–0 | align="center"|3–2 | ||
| align="center"|16 | 13 November 2021 | Stade Ibn Batouta, Tangier, Morocco | {{fb|LBR}} | align="center"|2–0 | align="center"|2–0 | 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification |
Honours
CSKA
- Russian Premier League: 2012–13, 2013–14, 2015–16
- Russian Cup: 2012–13
- Russian Super Cup: 2013, 2014
Al-Nassr
- Saudi Pro League: 2018–19{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/ahmed-musa-amrabat-and-hamdallah-win-saudi-professional/1vlac224i0b4t1ja01fqctmfpa|title=Ahmed Musa, Amrabat and Hamdallah win Saudi Professional League title with Al Nassr|publisher=Goal|access-date=18 May 2019}}
- Saudi Super Cup: 2019
Nigeria U20
Nigeria
- Africa Cup of Nations: 2013; runner-up: 2023;{{Cite web |last=Stevens |first=Rob |date=11 February 2024 |title=Nigeria 1–2 Ivory Coast |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/68196261 |access-date=12 February 2024 |website=BBC Sport}} third place: 2019{{cite web |date=17 July 2019 |title=Tunisia 0–1 Nigeria |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48932084 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227223831/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48932084 |archive-date=27 February 2021 |access-date=18 July 2019 |publisher=BBC}}
- WAFU Nations Cup: 2010
Individual
- Nigeria Premier League Top Scorer: 2009–10
- In the list of 33 best football players of the championship of Russia: 2012–13
- Russian Cup Top Scorer: 2012–13
- CAF Team of the Year: 2014{{cite web|title=Glo-CAF awards 2014 winners|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/6/54/119850/Sports/Africa/GloCAF-awards--winners-.aspx|publisher=Ahram|date=January 9, 2015|access-date=December 9, 2015|archive-date=28 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628015452/http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/6/54/119850/Sports/Africa/GloCAF-awards--winners-.aspx|url-status=dead}}
Orders
- 60x60px Member of the Order of the Niger{{Cite web |last=Abulmalik |first=Abdulrahman |date=13 February 2013 |title=Jonathan doles out cash, land, national honours to Super Eagles |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/120039-jonathan-doles-out-cash-land-national-honours-to-super-eagles.html?tztc=1 |access-date=2024-02-17 |website=www.premiumtimesng.com}}
- 60x60px Officer of the Order of the Niger{{Cite web |last=Adeola |first=Ridwan |date=2024-02-13 |title=AFCON 2023: Tinubu confers national honour of OON on Ahmed Musa |url=https://www.legit.ng/sports/football/1578649-afcon-2023-ahmed-musa-higher-award-tinubu-confers-national-honours-super-eagles-players/ |access-date=2024-02-15 |website=Legit.ng - Nigeria news. |language=en}}
See also
- {{portal-inline|Football in Africa}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{commons category}}
{{wikiquote}}
- {{Soccerway}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Nigeria squads
| bg = #008751
| fg = White
| bordercolor =
| list1 =
{{Nigeria Squad 2013 Africa Cup of Nations}}
{{Nigeria squad 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup}}
{{Nigeria squad 2014 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Nigeria squad 2018 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Nigeria squad 2019 Africa Cup of Nations}}
{{Nigeria squad 2021 Africa Cup of Nations}}
{{Nigeria squad 2023 Africa Cup of Nations}}
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Musa, Ahmed}}
Category:Nigerian men's footballers
Category:Kano Pillars F.C. players
Category:PFC CSKA Moscow players
Category:Leicester City F.C. players
Category:Fatih Karagümrük S.K. footballers
Category:Sivasspor footballers
Category:Nigeria Professional Football League players
Category:Russian Premier League players
Category:Premier League players
Category:Saudi Pro League players
Category:Men's association football forwards
Category:Nigeria men's international footballers
Category:Nigeria men's under-20 international footballers
Category:2013 Africa Cup of Nations players
Category:2013 FIFA Confederations Cup players
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Category:2019 Africa Cup of Nations players
Category:2021 Africa Cup of Nations players
Category:2023 Africa Cup of Nations players
Category:Africa Cup of Nations–winning players
Category:Nigerian expatriate men's footballers
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Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Russia
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Saudi Arabia
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Turkey
Category:Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in the Netherlands
Category:Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in Russia
Category:Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in England
Category:Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in Saudi Arabia
Category:Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in Turkey
Category:FIFA Men's Century Club
Category:Members of the Order of the Niger