Super Falcons Laud Captain Onome Ebi as She Retires from Professional Football

 

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Nigeria’s Super Falcons have paid tribute to Captain Onome Ebi, celebrating her remarkable contributions to women’s football as she announces her retirement.

In a heartfelt post shared on X on Thursday, teammate Rasheedat Ajibade highlighted Ebi’s leadership and lasting influence on the team.

“On behalf of every member of the Super Falcons, we extend our deepest gratitude to you, Captain Onome Ebi, for your extraordinary service and leadership over the past two decades. Your four WAFCON titles, and historic six FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances have made you a beacon of excellence for our team. You have been more than a captain. You’ve been a trailblazer who paved the way for this generation of players,” the team wrote.

The Super Falcons also reflected on Ebi’s journey from her early days with Bayelsa Queens to showcasing her talent on international stages in Sweden, Turkey, China, Spain, and eventually returning to Nigeria. They praised her for demonstrating that no dream is too ambitious and no challenge insurmountable.

“Your resilience has inspired us to push beyond limits and believe in our potential to continue to make history. As you retire from professional football, we celebrate your monumental legacy and wish you boundless success in your next chapter. Your promise to mentor and uplift young African footballers ensures your impact will echo for generations. Thank you, Onome, for being our hero. Cheers to a legacy that will never fade!” the statement concluded.

Ebi concludes a 20-year career with the national team, earning 109 caps—the most by any Nigerian female player—and claiming four African Women’s Championship titles. In 2023, she made history as the first African footballer, male or female, to compete in six FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments.

Reflecting on her journey in her own X post on Wednesday, Ebi said, “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.”

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