The Super Falcons have paid glowing tribute to their captain, Onome Ebi, following her official retirement from professional football after an illustrious 20-year career.
In a touching statement posted on X on Thursday by teammate Rasheedat Ajibade, the Nigerian women’s national team hailed Ebi for her leadership, resilience, and groundbreaking achievements in women’s football.
“On behalf of every member of the Super Falcons, we extend our deepest gratitude to you, Captain Onome Ebi, for your extraordinary service and leadership over the past two decades.
“Your four WAFCON titles, and historic six FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances have made you a beacon of excellence for our team.
“You have been more than a captain. You’ve been a trailblazer who paved the way for this generation of players,” the team wrote.
The statement highlighted her journey from her early days with Bayelsa Queens to playing in Sweden, Turkey, China, Spain, and back home in Nigeria, praising her for showing that “no dream is too big and no barrier too high.”
It added, “Your resilience has inspired us to push beyond limits and believe in our potential to continue to make history.
“As you retire from professional football, we celebrate your monumental legacy and wish you boundless success in your next chapter.
“Your promise to mentor and uplift young African footballers ensures your impact will echo for generations. Thank you, Onome, for being our hero. Cheers to a legacy that will never fade!”
Ebi closes her national team career with 109 caps, more than any other Nigerian female footballer, alongside four Women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles. She made history in 2023 as the first African footballer—male or female—to feature in six FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments.
On Wednesday, Ebi also reflected on her career in a personal post on X. “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. Though I hang up my boots, my purpose in the game continues to give back, to guide, and to be a voice for players.”
What you should know
Onome Ebi retires after a record-breaking 20-year career, with 109 caps, four WAFCON titles, and six FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances—the first African player to achieve the feat.
She plans to focus on mentoring young footballers, ensuring her influence on African women’s football continues long after her playing days.
