Former Super Eagles striker Anthony Ujah has officially announced his retirement from professional football, bringing to an end a career that spanned over a decade across Europe and Nigeria.
Ujah, who turned 34 this year, made the announcement on Friday, using his personal social media page to share the emotional decision with fans and the football world.
“Today, I make the toughest decision of my life, retiring from professional football,” he wrote. “I am grateful for every moment, every goal, every challenge, and every cheer. Football has been my life, and I will forever be thankful for the journey.”
Ujah’s most recent stint was with Botev Plovdiv, a Bulgarian top-flight club. However, injuries marred his time at the club, limiting him to just five appearances in which he scored two goals.
Despite his determination to recover and contribute more to the team, his persistent fitness challenges played a big role in his decision to step away from the sport.
“Dealing with long-term injury is tough for any athlete. I pushed myself to return, but the body has its limits,” he added in a follow-up message.
Anthony Ujah began his professional football journey in Nigeria but made his name on the international stage through his performances in Germany, where he spent the majority of his career.
He first moved to Europe in 2010, joining Lillestrøm SK in Norway, where his goal-scoring ability caught the attention of scouts from bigger European leagues. In 2011, Ujah transferred to Mainz 05 in the German Bundesliga, where he started to build his reputation as a strong and reliable centre-forward.
Over the years, Ujah played for several German clubs, including:
1. FC Köln
Werder Bremen
Union Berlin
Eintracht Braunschweig
He became known for his physical presence, sharp instincts in front of goal, and team spirit. Throughout his time in Germany, Ujah earned respect as a hardworking and professional player, even if he never became one of the league’s biggest stars.
Anthony Ujah was also part of Nigeria’s national team setup, earning seven caps for the Super Eagles. Although he scored just one international goal, his performances in club football earned him a place among Nigeria’s top strikers during the early 2010s.
He was in contention for more international appearances but faced stiff competition from other strikers like Emmanuel Emenike, Brown Ideye, and Ahmed Musa during his active years.
Despite not being part of the team that won the AFCON 2013, Ujah remained a respected figure in Nigerian football and always answered the national call with pride.
Following his retirement announcement, tributes poured in from former teammates, fans, and clubs where he once played.
Several Bundesliga clubs also expressed appreciation for his time and contributions, praising his professionalism and positive attitude both on and off the pitch.
Fans took to social media to recall memorable moments — including his key goals for FC Köln and a hilarious moment in 2015 when he celebrated a goal by grabbing the club’s goat mascot, which went viral at the time.
While Ujah has not yet disclosed his next move, close associates believe he may explore a future in coaching, talent development, or football business.
He has previously shown interest in giving back to Nigerian football by supporting youth initiatives and grassroots development. Some reports suggest he could return to Nigeria to work with local academies or take up a role with the national team in the future.
Anthony Ujah’s football journey may not have brought him the biggest trophies or global headlines, but it remains a story of hard work, consistency, and dedication.
From the dusty pitches of Nigeria to scoring goals in one of Europe’s top leagues, Ujah’s career is a reminder that success in football comes in many forms — not just in medals but in resilience and character.
As he hangs up his boots, fans across Nigeria and Germany will remember him fondly as a true professional who gave his best every time he stepped on the pitch.
