Super Falcons captain Onome Ebi has announced her retirement from professional football, bringing an end to a career that spanned over two decades and cemented her place as one of Africa’s greatest players.
Ebi, 42, earned a record 109 caps for Nigeria, won four Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) titles, and made history as the first African footballer—male or female—to appear in six FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments, with her final outing in Australia and New Zealand in 2023.
Her teammates paid tribute in an emotional statement, saying: “On behalf of every member of the Super Falcons, we extend our deepest gratitude to you, Captain Onome Ebi, for your extraordinary service and leadership over the past two decades… You have been more than a captain. You’ve been a trailblazer who paved the way for this generation of players.”
The statement praised her resilience and promised that her legacy would inspire future generations. “Your promise to mentor and uplift young African footballers ensures your impact will echo for generations. Thank you, Onome, for being our hero. Cheers to a legacy that will never fade!”
Reflecting on her journey in her own farewell message, Ebi wrote: “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’s club and international career saw her represent teams across Nigeria, Sweden, Turkey, China, and Spain, where she became a symbol of consistency and leadership. Her retirement marks the end of an era for Nigerian women’s football.
