The curtains have fallen on one of the greatest careers in African women’s football as Onome Ebi, former Super Falcons captain and stalwart centre-back, has officially announced her retirement from professional football.
Ebi, confirmed the decision in a social media post, bringing an end to a playing journey that stretched across four continents and more than two decades.
“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 across Africa and beyond. Thank you.”
From Lagos to the World
Starting out with Omidiran Babes in 2001 before a brief spell at Bayelsa Queens, Ebi’s talent quickly carried her abroad. She moved to Sweden with Pitéa IF, then went on to enjoy successful stints in Turkey and Belarus, where she collected league and cup titles. Her resilience and leadership made her one of Nigeria’s most reliable exports.
The Super Falcons’ Iron Lady
For the Nigerian women’s national team, Ebi became synonymous with consistency and experience. She made her debut in 2003 and went on to earn 109 caps, the highest in the history of Nigerian women’s football. Along the way, she lifted the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on four occasions (2010, 2014, 2016, 2018), cementing her status as a backbone of the Super Falcons’ dominance.
Her name will also remain etched in the annals of world football: in 2019, she became the first African player to feature in five FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments. Defying expectations, she extended that record at the 2023 World Cup, appearing on the global stage at 40 years of age.
After more than a decade in Europe, Ebi returned home in 2023 to join Naija Ratels in the Nigeria Women’s Football League, giving fans in her homeland the chance to witness her leadership up close once more.
Beyond the Pitch
Although she is stepping away from competitive football, Ebi insists her mission continues. With her eyes set on player management, mentorship, and advocacy, she hopes to shape a brighter future for young talents while becoming a stronger voice for female footballers across Africa.
A Lasting Legacy
From a young girl with dreams in Lagos to a global ambassador for African women’s football, Onome Ebi’s journey is one of endurance, leadership, and history-making milestones. As she transitions into a new chapter, she leaves behind not just records and medals but a powerful legacy of inspiration for generations to come.
