Nigeria’s most capped women’s footballer and Super Falcons icon, Onome Ebi, has officially announced her retirement from professional football.
Ebi, 42, confirmed the decision in an emotional message shared on her Facebook page on Tuesday.
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She wrote: “Today, I officially retire from professional football.”
Onome reflected on the journey “The journey has been filled with challenges, victories, and lessons that shaped me into who I am today.”
She dropped a peep into what next , ” Though I hang up my boots, my purpose in the game continues — to give back, to guide, and to be a voice for players across Africa and beyond. Thank you 🌍⚽😊🙏❤️ #PlayersAdvocate.”
A true legend of the game, Ebi’s career spanned more than two decades, making her one of the most enduring figures in women’s football.
She holds the remarkable record of being the first African footballer, male or female, to play in six FIFA World Cup tournaments, representing Nigeria from 2003 to 2023.
Her leadership and consistency earned her respect both on and off the pitch. She played in multiple Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) tournaments, helping Nigeria secure four continental titles.
Onome Ebi is being celebrated for her resilience and defensive prowess, from very tender age and till very twilight of her career.
Beyond her achievements with the Super Falcons, Ebi played professionally across Europe and Asia, including stints in Sweden, Turkey, and Belarus, where she became a trailblazer for African women footballers abroad.
As she steps away from active competition, Ebi has pledged to continue contributing to the sport through mentorship, advocacy, and player representation.
Her message underlines a commitment to ensuring the voices of African players are heard and supported.
Onome Ebi leaves behind an extraordinary legacy — not only as a footballer but also as a pioneer, leader, and inspiration for generations to come.
