AFCON 2025
Nigerian football icon, Onome Ebi has officially announced her retirement from professional football, ending a remarkable career that spanned more than two decades and cemented her place as one of Africa’s greatest defenders.
The 42-year-old made the announcement on social media, reflecting on her journey with gratitude:
“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.”
Ebi made her Super Falcons debut in 2003 and went on to earn 109 international caps, making her Nigeria’s most-capped female player. She is also celebrated as the first African footballer—male or female—to feature in six FIFA Women’s World Cups (2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023).
Her leadership and resilience were pivotal in Nigeria’s dominance on the continent, helping the Falcons clinch four Women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles in 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018.
At club level, Ebi played across Europe and Asia, representing sides in Sweden, Turkey, Spain, China, and Belarus before returning home to Nigeria, where she last turned out for Abia Angels.
Tributes have poured in from teammates, fans, and football bodies, celebrating Ebi’s longevity, professionalism, and inspiration to younger players. Beyond her achievements, she is admired for her role as a trailblazer who gave women’s football in Africa visibility and credibility on the world stage.
Although retiring from active play, Ebi has pledged to remain involved in the sport, focusing on mentoring and advocating for better opportunities for female players across Africa.
