'I don't think I can make it to next AFCON' - Super Eagles captain clarifies retirement comments

Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa has not expressly stated that he was going to retire from the national team after the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations but has made it clear he would not make himself available for selection in June 2023 when the next tournament comes up in Ivory Coast.

With 103 caps to his name spread across 12 years, the Fatih Karagümruk winger is Nigeria's record appearance maker and is set to represent the Super Eagles in his third AFCON after starring at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups.

Musa was part of the Super Eagles team that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, playing every single game with the exception of the win against Ivory Coast in the quarterfinals.

Asked at Monday's pre-match press conference how far he expects to go at AFCON 2021, Musa told reporters : "My first AFCON was in 2013 in South Africa, we won it, my second AFCON was in Egypt and we ended third position.

"I think this is my last AFCON In sha'Allah . I talk to the boys that this is the only gift that you can give to me because this is my last AFCON.

"As you can see what the head coach said we are ready, we are just waiting for tomorrow and I know we are going to end up in the final and win the Cup because everyone knows the importance of winning the trophy."

Approximately five minutes before the end of the presser, Musa was asked again if he was calling time on his international career the moment this tournament comes to an end.

Musa replied : "Why I said that is because AFCON is every two years, then in the next two years I don't think I'll be in the national team but we still have another tournament, the World Cup, so if we qualify I make a chance if the coach decides to call me.

"In another two years I don't think I can make it to AFCON, so that's why I'm saying this is my last AFCON".

At 29 years, Musa is Nigeria's youngest centurion, reaching 100 caps at a younger age than former captains Joseph Yobo and Vincent Enyeama.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel