Onome Ebi Retires, Vows To Continue Advocacy For Women’s Football”
2 min read
By Sportsgister
Nigeria and African football have bid farewell to one of its most decorated female defenders, Onome Ebi, who officially announced her retirement from professional football on Wednesday via her X (formerly Twitter) page.
In an emotional statement, the 40-year-old Super Falcons stalwart wrote:
“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.”
Onome Ebi stands tall among Africa’s football icons, with a record-breaking international career spanning nearly two decades.
She made her debut for the Super Falcons in 2003, and went on to represent Nigeria in six FIFA Women’s World Cups (2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023) — becoming the first African player (male or female) to achieve this historic feat.
She featured in multiple Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournaments, lifting the coveted title five times (2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018).
Known for her defensive strength, aerial dominance, and leadership, Ebi became a cornerstone of the Nigerian backline and a mentor to younger players.
She also represented Nigeria at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, further cementing her reputation as a global football ambassador.
Her longevity and consistency set her apart, inspiring generations of female footballers across Africa.
Ebi’s professional career was equally illustrious at the club level, where she enjoyed a globetrotting journey across Africa, Europe, and Asia:
She began her career with Bayelsa Queens and Omidiran Babes in Nigeria before moving abroad.
In Europe, she played in Sweden (Piteå IF) and Turkey (Ataşehir Belediyespor, Düvenciler Lisesispor, and later Henan Jianye in China).
Her spell in Belarus with FC Minsk was particularly successful, where she won multiple league and cup titles and gained valuable UEFA Women’s Champions League experience.
In recent years, she returned to Nigeria to represent Abia Angels and served as a role model for home-based players.
While Ebi has officially retired from active play, her words signal a transition to a new chapter dedicated to mentorship, advocacy, and football development. She has long been vocal about improving conditions for female footballers in Africa, and her post-retirement ambitions are expected to further impact women’s football positively.
The Nigerian football community, fans, and global stakeholders have already begun showering tributes on her remarkable career — a journey defined by resilience, achievements, and trailblazing records.
As she takes her final bow from the pitch, Onome Ebi leaves behind a legacy that will echo for decades: a defender who not only broke records but also broke barriers.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
