Nigeria’s legendary defender Onome Ebi has officially retired from professional football, ending an extraordinary 24-year career that made her one of Africa’s most celebrated players.
The 42-year-old Super Falcons star announced her decision on Wednesday, September 17, in a heartfelt message shared across her social media platforms.
“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.”
A Record-Breaking Legacy
Ebi leaves behind milestones unmatched in African football. She became the first African player—male or female—to compete in six FIFA World Cups, representing Nigeria in 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023.
With over 100 international caps and four goals, Ebi was instrumental in Nigeria’s dominance, winning four Women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles (2010, 2014, 2016, 2018).
Global Club Career
Her club career spanned Europe, Asia, and Africa, featuring stints with Sweden’s Piteå and Djurgården, Turkey’s Ataşehir Belediyespor, Belarusian champions FC Minsk, Chinese side Henan Jianye, and Nigeria’s Naija Ratels. She captured two Turkish league titles, a Belarusian Premier League crown, and three Belarusian domestic cups.
Recognised globally, Ebi earned a spot in the IFFHS CAF Women’s Team of the Decade (2011–2020) and the IFFHS All-time Africa Women’s Dream Team (2021).
Looking Ahead
Her final professional games came with Naija Ratels during the 2023–24 Nigeria Women’s Football League season. Ebi explained her decision to finish at home: “I was drawn by the club’s youthful profile, discipline, and organisation.”
Even in retirement, she remains committed to the sport:
“Though I hang up my boots, my purpose in the game continues—to give back, to guide, and to be a voice for players.”
Onome Ebi’s exit marks the end of an era for Nigerian football, but her influence and trailblazing spirit will inspire generations to come.
