After a historic and decorated career that spanned over two decades, Onome Ebi, the legendary Super Falcons defender and trailblazer, has officially announced her retirement from professional football.
Join The Lagos Voice on WhatsApp
Follow us for the Latest News, Entertainment, Politics, Sports, Youths and Grassroots updates, delivered fast and verified on WhatsApp!
🔗 Join Our Channel
The announcement, which came on her social media, marks the end of an era for Nigerian and African women’s football.
ALSO READ: How to check your 2025 NECO result online: A step-by-step guide
Ebi holds the unprecedented record of being the first African male or female to play in six FIFA World Cups.
Her journey, which began in Nigeria, saw her play for clubs in Sweden, Turkey, Belarus, and Spain.
A Legacy of Leadership and Records
As captain of the Super Falcons, Ebi became a symbol of resilience and leadership. She led Nigeria to four continental titles at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and holds the record for the most appearances at the tournament with seven.
Known for her defensive solidity and inspiring presence, she was affectionately nicknamed “Mama” by her teammates.
Her career culminated at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she was the oldest player in the tournament, a final, fitting tribute to her enduring passion for the game.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow The Lagos Voice on WhatsApp channel for latest updates
Her ability to consistently perform at the highest level for over two decades has cemented her status as one of Africa’s greatest football icons.
A New Purpose Beyond the Pitch
In her retirement message, Ebi reflected on her journey and outlined her future aspirations. “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.”
“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. pic.twitter.com/o0LsnxMnuD
— ONOME EBI (@EBIONOME) September 17, 2025
While she is hanging up her boots, Ebi made it clear that her purpose in the game is far from over.
READ MORE: How To Register, Transfer, Or Replace Your PVC On INEC Portal
She stated, “Though I hang up my boots, my purpose in the game continues, to give back, to guide, and to be a voice for players.”
