Super Falcons Forward Ifeoma Onumonu Announces Retirement from Football

After a football journey spanning over two decades, Super Falcons and Montpellier forward Ifeoma Onumonu has officially decided to hang up her boots.

The 31-year-old made the announcement in an emotional statement via her Instagram page, expressing deep gratitude for her playing career and hinting at a new chapter beyond the pitch.

Onumonu reflected on her early beginnings, recalling how she first played the game at the age of eight on fields near her home, simply driven by a love for running and scoring goals.

“I started playing football when I was eight years old, on a team called the Magic. We played in white, black, and green jerseys at the AYSO fields near my house. I remember how vast I thought the field was. I don’t remember if I played an actual position or if I even passed the ball. All I wanted to do was run as fast as I could and score. I didn’t much care about winning or losing; I just loved playing,” she wrote.

Onumonu’s football journey officially began in 2012 when she featured for the California Golden Bears at college level. She turned professional in 2017, signing with Boston Breakers, before joining Portland Thorns in 2018. Over the years, she represented several clubs including Reign FC, Gotham FC, and Utah Royals, before moving to French side Montpellier in 2024 — the club where she has now concluded her playing career.

She was part of the Gotham FC side that lifted the NWSL Championship in 2023.

Born in California, USA, Onumonu initially represented the United States at youth level before switching her allegiance to Nigeria in 2021. With the Super Falcons, she featured at the Olympic Games, the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and won the 2025 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, Nigeria’s historic 10th continental title.

Reflecting on her career, she said;

“Now, 22 years later, I feel I have reached a natural conclusion to that discovery. It has been an incredible journey. I had the profound pleasure of lifting an NWSL championship trophy, representing Nigeria at the Olympics and a World Cup, and helping to lift the African Cup of Nations trophy with the Super Falcons for a historic 10th time.”

While stepping away from playing, Onumonu hinted that this may not be the end of her football involvement, as she looks to explore opportunities beyond the pitch.

“This is not a goodbye to football, but a new beginning. I am excited to explore opportunities off the pitch, using the skills and lessons learned from my time on it. Thank you to all the staff, teammates, coaches, doctors, fans, and my incredible friends and family for your unwavering support through the years. Although my time as a player has come to an end, my love and devotion for this game will never waver. Thank you for everything.”