Super Falcons icon Onome Ebi has officially retired from professional football, bringing an extraordinary two-decade career to a close.

The former Nigeria captain made the announcement on her X handle, thanking fans and reflecting on a journey filled with challenges, victories, and lifelong lessons, Footballrover reports.

Onome Ebi: From Bayelsa Queens to world football

The 42-year-old defender, known for her leadership and resilience, stressed that although she is hanging up her boots, her mission in the game will continue — guiding young players and lending her voice to women’s football.

Ebi’s career began at Bayelsa Queens in the Nigerian Women’s Championship, where her commanding presence quickly earned recognition.

Her journey took her across Europe with stints at Sweden’s Piteå IF and Djurgårdens IF, before moving to Turkey to feature for Düvenciler Lisesispor and Ataşehir Belediyespor.

It was with Ataşehir that she made her Champions League debut in 2012, marking another milestone in a career defined by firsts.

Super Falcons Icon: The most capped warrior

Ebi debuted for the Super Falcons in 2003 and went on to set a national record with 109 appearances.

She represented Nigeria at six Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, winning four titles between 2010 and 2018.

Her global impact was even greater. In 2019, she became the first African footballer — male or female — to appear in five FIFA Women’s World Cups.

Four years later, she extended that record, becoming the first African to feature in six tournaments when she played against Australia at the 2023 World Cup.

Even at 40 years and 50 days, she proved age was no barrier to passion and endurance.

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Last Updated on September 18, 2025 8:05 am by footballrover