The Digest:
Nigerian football icon Onome Ebi has officially retired from professional football, ending a historic 22-year career marked by unprecedented achievements with the Super Falcons. The 42-year-old defender announced her decision on social media, signaling a transition to mentorship and advocacy.
Key Points
- Ebi earned 109 caps for Nigeria, the most by any female player in the country’s history.
- She won the African Women’s Championship four times (2010, 2014, 2016, 2018).
- Ebi is the first African footballer to play in six FIFA World Cups (2003–2023).
- At 40, she became the oldest player to feature in a Women’s World Cup match in 2023.
- She represented Nigeria at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and multiple continental tournaments.
- In her retirement statement, Ebi pledged to “give back, guide, and be a voice for players.”
- Her career spanned over two decades of consistent elite performance and leadership.
Ebi’s retirement closes a chapter of unparalleled longevity and excellence in African football, leaving a legacy that transcends the pitch.
Sources: Vanguard News
