Former Super Eagles striker Anthony Ujah has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 34, drawing the curtain on a career that spanned nearly two decades and three continents.
The announcement came on Thursday via an emotional post on his Instagram page, where the forward expressed deep gratitude to the clubs he played for, his coaches, teammates, and fans who supported him throughout his football journey.
“Today, I make the toughest decision of my life, retiring from professional football,” Ujah wrote. “Football has been more than a game for me; it has been my passion, my identity, my home. 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.”
Ujah began his professional career in Nigeria before making the leap to Europe, starting with Lillestrøm SK in Norway. He later moved to Germany, where he spent the bulk of his career and made his name in the Bundesliga with clubs including Mainz 05, 1. FC Köln, Werder Bremen, Union Berlin, and Eintracht Braunschweig.
His time at FC Köln remains a highlight, as he became a fan favorite not just for his goals but for his famous celebration with the club’s goat mascot. He was instrumental in Köln’s promotion to the Bundesliga in 2014, a season that ended with the club lifting the German 2. Bundesliga title—one of the standout moments of his career.
Ujah scored 113 goals in over 15 years of professional football.
On the international stage, Ujah featured seven times for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, fulfilling what he described as a “childhood dream.” While he did not find the back of the net for the national team, he remained a respected squad member during his time.
Outside Europe, Ujah also had stints in China with Liaoning Whowin and more recently in Bulgaria with Botev Plovdiv, where he spent a difficult year plagued by a knee injury. He missed 40 games due to the injury and played only five matches, scoring two goals, before deciding to hang up his boots.
“I also want to thank every club I have played for, every coach who believed in me, and every teammate who fought beside me on the pitch. Together, we’ve shared victories that will forever warm my heart and defeats that taught me resilience.
“Fulfilling a childhood dream of playing for my country is one I will forever live to cherish,” he said in his farewell message.
“A new chapter begins, but my love for football will never end.”
Ujah had been without a club since his departure from Botev Plovdiv in July, and his decision to retire appears to have been influenced by his recent injury struggles.
Despite stepping away from the pitch, Ujah’s legacy, particularly in the German Bundesliga and among Nigerian football fans, remains firmly intact. His story is one of perseverance, passion, and a genuine love for the beautiful game.
