Nigerian football legend Onome Ebi has officially called time on her remarkable playing career, ending two decades at the top of women’s football.
The Super Falcons icon made the announcement on her X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, closing a chapter that redefined longevity and resilience in African football.
A pioneer for Nigerian women’s football
From her early days at Bayelsa Queens to breaking boundaries in Europe with Piteå IF and Djurgårdens IF in Sweden, Ebi’s career was indeed a story of determination.
She also featured for Turkish clubs Düvenciler Lisesispor and Ataşehir Belediyespor, where she made her UEFA Women’s Champions League debut in 2012—a milestone for Nigerian women’s players abroad.
But it was in national colours where Ebi placed her name into history. Since making her Super Falcons debut in 2003, she has amassed 109 caps, more than any other Nigerian player.
Onome Ebi: Six World Cups, endless legacy
Ebi’s international career is unmatched. She became the first African footballer—male or female—to feature in five FIFA Women’s World Cups, representing Nigeria in 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, and 2019. Her record-breaking journey did not stop there.
In 2023, she defied age and expectations when she came on as a substitute in Nigeria’s thrilling 3–2 win over co-hosts Australia.
At 40 years and 50 days, she became the first African player to feature in six World Cups.
Her presence was just as crucial on the continent, where she was a constant in the African Women’s Championship.
She lifted the trophy four times—in 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018—and stood as a backbone of Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football.
While Ebi has chosen to hang up her boots, she made it clear her role in football is far from over.
In her retirement note, she emphasised her commitment to “give back, to guide, and to be a voice for players.” Her future promises mentorship and advocacy, ensuring that her impact extends beyond her playing days.
“I officially retire from professional football. The journey has been filled with challenges, victories, and lessons that shaped me into who I am today,” she added.
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