Ex-Super Falcons Captain Onome Ebi Hangs Her Boots

After a football journey spanning over two decades, former Super Falcons captain and centre-back, Onome Ebi, has announced her retirement from professional football.

In a statement released on her official social media handle, Ebi 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 across Africa and beyond. Thank you."

The 43-year-old began her career with Omidiran Babes in 2001, before joining Bayelsa Queens. She later moved to Sweden to play for Pitéa IF, kickstarting her European adventure.

Ebi made her debut for the Super Falcons in 2003 and went on to become the nation’s most-capped player, with 109 appearances. She was pivotal to Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football, winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations four times (2010, 2014, 2016, 2018).

On July 6, 2019, she became the first African footballer to feature in five FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments (2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019). She extended that record by making the squad for the 2023 Women’s World Cup at the age of 40 years and 50 days.

Ater 13 years abroad, Ebi returned home to join Nigeria Women's Football League side Naija Ratels in 2023,closing out a truly remarkable career.

Onome hints on her post-retirement plans being player management, as the 43 year old now looks to impact the younger generation and build a voice for female footballers.