Former Super Eagles striker Anthony Ujah has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 34.

The forward made the announcement in an emotional Instagram post on Friday, confirming he was stepping away from the game with immediate effect.

Ujah, who spent most of his career in Germany, had been without a club since parting ways with Botev Plovdiv in July. His one-year spell in Bulgaria was marred by injuries, particularly a knee problem that kept him out of 40 games. He managed just five appearances, scoring twice, before deciding to hang up his boots.

“Today, I make the toughest decision of my life, retiring from professional football,” Ujah wrote. “Fulfilling a childhood dream of playing for my country is one I will forever live to cherish. Football has been more than a game for me; it has been my passion, my identity, my home.”

He also paid tribute to his former clubs, coaches, and teammates, adding that he would miss the emotions, atmosphere, and camaraderie of the sport.

Ujah’s most memorable spell came at FC Köln, where he became a fan favourite for his goals and his iconic celebration with the club’s goat mascot. He helped the team secure promotion back to the Bundesliga in 2014, cementing his status as a club legend.

Over a 15-year career, Ujah scored 113 goals across all competitions. At the international level, he made seven appearances for the Nigerian Super Eagles, though he never found the back of the net.

Despite that, he remains remembered as a hard-working striker who lived his football dream and left his mark both in Nigeria and abroad.