Sele Media Africa Reported by Mafeng Gyang Adams
Super Falcons Legend Onome Ebi Retires Nigeria, September 17, 2025
Onome Ebi, one of the most iconic defenders in Nigerian and African women’s football history, has officially retired from professional football after a storied career spanning over two decades. Career Highlights- Ebi began her senior international career in 2003 and over the years has become Nigeria’s most‑capped woman player, with 109 appearances for the Super Falcons. She won the African Women’s Championship (now Women’s Africa Cup of Nations) four times: 2010, 2014, 2016, 2018. Ebi made history as the first African footballer, male or female, to feature in six FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments. The last of these was the 2023 edition. At club level she played locally and abroad—with spells in Sweden, Turkey, Belarus, China, and more. Her early career included Omidiran Babes, Bayelsa Queens; international club stints include Piteå IF, Djurgårdens IF, Ataşehir Belediyespor, FC Minsk, Levante Las Planas, among others.
Retirement Announcement & Statement
Ebi made the announcement via her social media (X) account. In her message, she reflected on the highs and challenges of her journey, thanking fans, teammates, and all who supported her. She 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 across Africa and beyond.” Legacy – Onome Ebi’s longevity and resilience have made her a role model for many young female footballers, both in Nigeria and across the continent. Her consistency at top level, including playing into her 40s, is rare in international women’s football. Her record of World Cup appearances (six) sets a high bar, especially from an era with comparatively limited resources and exposure for women’s football in many parts of Africa. Even though she’s retiring from playing, her expressed intention to “give back” suggests she may stay involved in the sport potentially through mentoring, advocacy for players’ rights, coaching, or other forms of engagement.
Significance for Nigerian Football
Ebi’s retirement marks the end of an era for the Super Falcons, as they lose not just a defender, but a leader, a veteran whose experience was invaluable in international competitions. – The timing provides an opportunity for Nigeria to invest in youth development, ensuring there are successors ready to step into leadership roles. – Her departure may also reignite discussions about how best to support female players in Nigeria through improved league structures, better pay, proper welfare, and solid post‑career planning.
Citations:
1. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/09/super-falcons-icon-onome-ebi-announces-retirement-from-football/?utm
2. africasoccer.com: africasoccer.com/super-falcons-legend-onome-ebi-announces-retirement-at-42/?utm_
3. Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onome_Ebi?utm_
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