Boluwatife Kehinde
The Super Falcons have commended Captain Onome Ebi for her extraordinary contributions to Nigerian women’s football following her retirement from professional play.
In a poignant message shared on X on Thursday by her teammate Rasheedat Ajibade, the team expressed their appreciation for Ebi’s leadership and enduring legacy.
The message stated, “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 established you as a beacon of excellence for our team.”
The statement further emphasised, “You have been more than a captain. You have been a trailblazer who paved the way for this generation of players.” The team reflected on her journey, noting her early days with Bayelsa Queens and her distinguished performances on global stages in Sweden, Turkey, China, Spain, and Nigeria. Onome Ebi was lauded for demonstrating that no dream is insurmountable and no barrier too great.
“Your resilience has inspired us to push beyond limitations and believe in our potential to continue to create history. As you retire from professional football, we celebrate your remarkable legacy and wish you unbounded success in your future endeavors. Your commitment to mentoring and uplifting young African footballers ensures that your impact will resonate for generations. Thank you, Onome, for being our hero. Cheers to a legacy that will endure,” the statement concluded.
The 40-year-old career with the national team, during which she earned 109 caps—the most by any Nigerian female player—and secured four African Women’s Championship titles. Notably, she made history in 2023 as the first African footballer, male or female, to participate in six FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments.
About Ebi
In her own message on Wednesday via X, Ebi reflected on her career, stating, “Today, I officially retire from professional football. The journey has been filled with challenges, victories, and lessons that have shaped me into the person I am today. Although I retire from playing, my commitment to the sport continues as I aspire to give back, guide, and advocate for players.”
Ebi has enjoyed a remarkable club career across Europe and Asia. She first moved to Sweden in 2009 with Piteå IF, later joining Djurgården IF, where she made 34 appearances and scored one goal. In 2012, she switched to Turkey, turning out for Düvenciler Lisesispor with 27 matches and two goals before an outstanding spell at Ataşehir Belediyespor, netting 21 goals in 28 games despite playing in defense.
She went on to spend five years with FC Minsk in Belarus, winning league and cup titles, before a stint in China with Henan Jianye from 2018 to 2020. Ebi later returned to Europe to play for Levante Las Planas in Spain (2022–2023). Across the clubs where records are available, she has at least 89 league appearances and 24 goals, though her totals are likely higher considering her time in Belarus and China.
