From Pitch To Legacy: Onome Ebi Retires After 24 Years Of Football Glory

Super Falcons veteran defender Onome Ebi has announced her retirement from professional football at the age of 42. She made the revelation on Tuesday through her official X (formerly Twitter) account, expressing gratitude for her career and affirming her intention to remain involved in football off the pitch.

“Today, I officially retire from professional football. The journey has been filled with challenges, victories, and lessons that shaped me into who I am today. Though I hang up my boots, my purpose in the game continues — to give back, to guide, and to be a voice for players,” Ebi wrote.

Ebi retires as the first African footballer, male or female, to participate in six FIFA World Cups, representing Nigeria in 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023. Over a career spanning more than two decades, she earned 109 caps and scored four goals for the Super Falcons.

Her international achievements include four Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) titles in 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018, and she was part of the Falcons squad that reached the Round of 16 at both the 2019 and 2023 World Cups.

At the club level, Ebi enjoyed a successful career across Europe and Asia, winning the Turkish Women’s Football League twice, the Belarusian Women’s Super Cup twice, the Belarusian Premier League once, and the Belarusian Women’s Cup in 2014.

Recognized for her consistency and impact, Ebi was named to the IFFHS CAF Women’s Team of the Decade (2011–2020) and the IFFHS All-Time Africa Women’s Dream Team in 2021.

While her retirement marks the conclusion of a remarkable playing career, Ebi has affirmed her commitment to continue influencing Nigerian women’s football through mentorship and advocacy for players’ welfare.