Nigeria’s Onome Ebi Announces Retirement from Professional Football
Written by Alonge Akinlolu on 17 — 09
Legendary Super Falcons defender Onome Ebi has officially announced her retirement from professional football, bringing an illustrious career spanning over two decades to a close.
Ebi, born in Lagos in 1983, is celebrated as one of Africa’s most accomplished footballers. She made history as the first African player, male or female, to feature in six FIFA World Cup tournaments (2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023). With more than a hundred international appearances, she also helped Nigeria secure four Women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles (2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018).
At club level, Ebi’s career took her across the world, representing teams in Nigeria, Sweden, Turkey, Belarus, China, Spain, and most recently the Abia Angels in the Nigeria Women’s Football League. Her leadership and consistency made her a role model for generations of African footballers.
Confirming her retirement, Ebi shared an emotional message:
“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
Ebi’s retirement marks the end of an era for Nigerian women’s football, but the 40 year old has vowed to continue serving the game in a new capacity, focusing on advocacy and mentoring young players across the continent.
