Super Falcons Legend Announces Retirement at 42: “I Hang Up My Boots”
- Onome Ebi has retired from professional football after a 24-year career, including 109 appearances for the Super Falcons
- She began her football journey in Nigeria before moving abroad, where she had stints in Sweden, Turkey, Spain, China, and Belarus
- The 42-year-old Ebi stated that while she has hung up her boots, her purpose in the game of football will continue
After 109 matches for the national team, Nigerian football legend Onome Ebi has announced retirement from professional football.
The impressive defender started her career with Omidiran Babes in 2001, and after seven years, she joined Osun Babes and then Bayelsa Queens.
She moved to Europe in 2009, where she signed for Swedish outfit Pitea, and then went on to have stints in Turkey, Spain, China and Belarus.
Source: Getty Images
Ebi returned to Nigeria in 2023 and joined Nigeria Women's Football League side Abia Angels until she decided to call it quits, Vanguard reports.
She was a member of the Nigerian Women's national football team, the Super Falcons, between 2003 and 2025, scoring 4 goals in 109 appearances.
Taking to social media to announce her retirement, the 42-year-old disclosed that even though she has hung up her boots, her purpose in the game will continue.
She wrote on X:
"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."
During her time in the national team, Ebi won four African Women’s Championship titles: 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018.
She made history in 2019 when she became the first African footballer, male or female, to feature in five FIFA World Cup tournaments.
The defender went on to extend that record in 2023, when she appeared in her sixth World Cup at the age of 40 after coming off the bench in Nigeria’s 3-2 win over co-hosts Australia.
She also featured for the Super Falcons at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Her farewell note has continued to garner reactions on social media.
@_KingEmeka said:
"Thank you Onome for your amazing service. We have never had any reason to be disappointed because you gave your all. Your work ethic, professionalism, talent and dedication are truly impressive. Wishing you the best as you retire from active service and may your future ventures be fruitful."
@TundeOlayeni added:·
"Congrats, @EBIONOME. Thanks for all the smiles u brought into our faces and all the joys u brought to our hearts. U came, u played ur part, and u conquered. I wish u a happy and blissful retirement."
@Damola467 posited:
"Respect. Hanging up the boots is never easy, but your impact will live on through the players you inspire. Wishing you all the best in this next chapter!"
Source: Getty Images
Oshoala addresses retirement rumours
Legit.ng earlier reported that Asisat Oshoala addressed the rumours about her possible retirement from international football.
Following Nigeria's dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Morocco in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), speculation grew online about the 30-year-old hanging up her boots for the national team.
Source: Legit.ng
