Nigeria’s legendary defender Onome Ebi has announced her retirement from professional football, bringing an illustrious career spanning over two decades to a close.
The 42-year-old Super Falcons stalwart confirmed the news on Wednesday, marking the end of a journey that made her one of the most iconic figures in African women’s football.
Ebi, who first donned the Super Falcons jersey in 2003, went on to represent Nigeria in six FIFA Women’s World Cups — a record for any African player, male or female.
The hard-as-nails defender shared a statement on her official X page (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday announcing her retirement from professional football.
“Today, I officially retire from professional football,” she wrote. “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.”
Known for her composure, strength, and leadership at the back, she was also a key part of Nigeria’s dominance on the continent, helping the Falcons win multiple Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) titles.
Over the course of her career, she played club football across Nigeria, Sweden, Turkey, China, and Belarus, where she lifted several domestic trophies. Her longevity and consistency earned her respect not just at home but across the global women’s game.
