Former Super Eagles striker Anthony Ujah has announced his retirement from professional football, ending a career that spanned almost two decades across Europe, Asia and Africa.
The 34-year-old forward confirmed the decision on Instagram on Friday, describing it as the “toughest decision” of his life.
“Football has been more than a game for me; it has been my passion, my identity, my home,” Ujah wrote.
“I will truly miss the emotions, the atmosphere, the dressing room laughter, the celebrations, and even the hard days that made the good ones sweeter. A new chapter begins, but my love for football will never end.”
Ujah during his time at Union Berlin. Photo Credit: X
Ujah began his career with Warri Wolves in Nigeria before moving to Lillestrøm in Norway in 2008, where his goalscoring exploits earned him a switch to Mainz 05 in the Bundesliga.
He went on to feature for several German clubs, including 1. FC Köln, Werder Bremen, Union Berlin and Eintracht Braunschweig, making over 250 Bundesliga appearances.
Outside Germany, he also played in China with Liaoning Whowin and in Bulgaria with Botev Plovdiv, where he ended his playing career.
Ujah playing for the Super Eagles. Photo Credit: X
In August 2024, in the return encounter of the next round against Panathinaikos, Ujah suffered a torn ligament, which subsequently necessitated a knee operation.
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Ujah made his debut for Nigeria in 2013 against Mexico and was part of the squad during the Super Eagles’ build-up to the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup. He earned seven caps in total, scoring once for his country.
Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi was among those to pay tribute, describing Ujah as a role model and a source of inspiration.
Taiwo Awoniyi. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
“You don’t just thank football alone,” Awoniyi wrote. “You’ve walked the path, excelled, left a legacy and, most of all, found purpose.
Years have passed, but I’ll never forget your humility and the words you shared with me. Congratulations on the journey ahead, legend.”
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Ujah’s humility and consistency made him one of Nigeria’s most respected exports to the Bundesliga, where he spent the bulk of his career.
