
20/09/2025
Super Falcons Star Onome Ebi Announces Retirement After Remarkable Football Career
By Adamu Mubarak
After making a remarkable contribution to Nigerian women's football, a true legend and decorated Super Falcon star, Captain Oname Ebi has officially announced her retirement, in September 2025.
The announcement was made on her social media platform (X), on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, marking the end of an era for Nigerian and African women’s football.
The Post reads in part: “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,” said Captain Oname.
Leadership, Resilience, and Record
The Super Falcon’s center-back, Oname Ebi was born in 1983 Lagos, Nigeria, Ebi developed her passion for football at an early age. She began her professional journey with Nigerian clubs like Omidiran Babes and Bayelsa Queens, before rising to an international level.
Captain Onome Ebi made her debut for the Nigerian national team, the Super Falcons, in 2003. At age 40, she became the oldest Nigerian international female footballer and holds the record for the most FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances by a Nigerian player, participating in six editions: 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023.
She also featured in six Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018, winning the tournament four times: 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018.
Furthermore, she played for multiple football clubs across different countries, including Sweden, Turkey, Belarus, China, and Spain.
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, held in Australia and New Zealand, marked her sixth and final World Cup appearance—a feat unmatched in Nigerian football history.
Onome Ebi, now 42 years old, is retiring as Nigeria’s longest-serving footballer (male or female), after an impressive 22 years of dedicated international duty from 2003 to 2025. Known for her solid defensive skills and inspiring presence on the field, she was affectionately nicknamed “Mama” by her teammates.
Onome Ebi leaves behind a legacy of resilience, leadership, and excellence—an icon whose journey has inspired generations of footballers across Africa and beyond.
Super Falcons Farewell Message
The football team praised Ebi’s leadership and Resilience through a message posted by her teammate, Raheedat Ajibade. “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,” Super Falcons wrote.