Super Falcons legend Onome Ebi announces retirement at 42

Super Falcons of Nigeria legend Onome Ebi has announced her retirement from the game.

After an illustrious career spanning over two decades, the veteran defender has hung up her boots at the age of 42.

In a post on social media, the legendary player said she wants to be a voice for players across Africa and beyond.

“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,” Ebi wrote in a post 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. pic.twitter.com/o0LsnxMnuD

— ONOME EBI (@EBIONOME) September 17, 2025

Ebi began her professional career with Omidiran Babes in 2001 before moving to Bayelsa United in 2008. Her career took her across Europe and Asia, with spells at Piteå IF and Djurgårdens IF in Sweden, Lüleburgaz 39 Spor and Ataşehir Belediyespor in Turkey, Sunnanå SK in Sweden, FC Minsk in Belarus, and Henan Jianye W.F.C. in China.

On the international stage, Ebi earned 106 caps for the Super Falcons after making her debut in 2003.

She featured in six FIFA Women’s World Cups between 2003 and 2023, represented Nigeria at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and won four Women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles across six editions.

Her consistency, leadership, and success cement her status as one of Africa’s greatest ever female footballers.